- MSMEs are the Strong Foundation of Chhattisgarh’s Industrial Development: Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma
- Participation of over 250 entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry representatives; deliberations held on ‘Ease of Doing Business’
- Emphasis on empowering MSMEs through innovation, technology, finance, and a better business environment
The two-day MSME Conclave 2.0, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Chhattisgarh State Council in the capital, Raipur, was inaugurated on Monday by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma and Industries Minister Shri Lakhan Lal Dewangan. More than 250 entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry representatives participated on the first day of the conclave, which was themed “Empowering MSMEs through Innovation and Sustainable Industrial Development.” Detailed discussions were held on various topics, including ‘Ease of Doing Business,’ financing, technology, artificial intelligence, and industrial development.
During the inaugural session, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Sharma stated that small industries, factories, and workshops play a crucial role in the industrial and economic development of Chhattisgarh. He emphasized that a robust law-and-order situation, seamless road connectivity, and speedy approvals are essential for the growth of MSMEs, and the state government is committed to fostering a favorable environment in these areas. He noted that the government has formulated an industrial policy that reflects inclusive growth, specifically incorporating MSMEs.
Industries Minister Shri Lakhan Lal Dewangan stated that MSMEs are at the core of the state’s industrial development policy. The government aims to ensure that entrepreneurs in regions like Bastar and Sarguja receive services related to setting up and operating industries with the same ease and speed as those available in the capital, Raipur. Mr. Rajiv Agarwal, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation (CSIDC), stated that the development of ready-to-use land and ‘plug-and-play’ infrastructure in industrial areas would enable small industrial units to commence production rapidly.
- MSMEs: The Backbone of the State’s Industrial Value Chain
Mr. Bajrang Goyal, Chairman of the CII Chhattisgarh State Council and Director of Shri Bajrang Power & Ispat Limited, described MSMEs as the backbone of the state’s industrial value chain and affirmed that CII would continue to act as a bridge between industry and the government.
Mr. Aditya Mundra, Convener of the CII Chhattisgarh MSME Panel and Director of Aarti Sponge & Power Limited, set the context for the discussion by identifying technology, finance, and compliance improvements as the three critical pillars for MSME growth. Mr. Anand Singhania, Vice Chairman of the CII Chhattisgarh State Council and Managing Director of the Avinash Group, proposed the vote of thanks.
- Special Discussions on Financing and Ease of Doing Business
In the session titled “Financing MSME Growth,” Mr. Vinamra Mishra, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, provided an overview of the progress made by the MSME sector at the national level. He noted that over 73 million (7.3 crore) enterprise registrations have been recorded since 2020, and the credit guarantee scheme has surpassed the milestone of 10 million (1 crore) guarantees issued. He also shared details regarding the revised MSME classification thresholds set to come into effect in April 2025.
During the session “Industry Perspective on Ease of Doing Business for MSME Growth,” Mr. Prabhat Malik, Director of the Directorate of Industries, Government of Chhattisgarh, outlined the state’s initiatives to streamline the single-window system, ensure time-bound approvals, and simplify compliance procedures. In the subsequent Q&A session, industry representatives discussed various practical issues, including approval timelines, inspections, land allocation, and delayed payments. During the session, Mr. Pankaj Lahoti (President, CREDAI), Mr. Kailash Khemani (President, Automobile Dealers Association – RADA), and Mr. Satish Thaurani (President, Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce) presented practical suggestions relevant to the industry. The key recommendations emerging from the conclave will be submitted to the state government by the CII.
- Deliberations ranging from AI to the journey of becoming a large corporate
A special session on the theme “AI Advantage” was held at the conclave, moderated by Mr. Irfan Bukhari, Co-convenor of the CII Chhattisgarh MSME Panel and Director of Raipaisa Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. Additionally, a CEO Round Table on the topic “Journey from SME to Large Corporate” provided a platform to share experiences regarding business expansion, management, and growth. The concluding remarks were delivered by Mr. Romil Rathi, Co-convenor of the CII Chhattisgarh MSME Panel and Director of Satyam Enterprises Pvt. Ltd.
The second day of the conclave will focus on practical capacity building for MSME professionals. It will cover measures to enhance equipment efficiency and reduce downtime through training on Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). Subsequently, a session titled “Kaizen with AI” will provide insights into the practical application of AI-based tools to drive continuous improvement and boost productivity on the shop floor.