12 SME clusters in Jharkhand proposed: ASSOCHAM

ASSOCHAM has recently proposed 12 new clusters for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on the public private partnership (PPP) mode in Jharkhand. Submitting the study reports on 'Cluster Development in Jharkhand for inclusive Growth' to state chief minister Arjun Munda, the secretary general of ASSOCHAM, D.S. Rawat told reporters that ASSOCHAM will hold a summit on cluster development with the Jharkhand government focusing on food processing, development of herbals, skill development, power and promotion of SMEs.

ASSOCHAM estimated a budget of Rs 400 crore to provide the basic and essential infrastructure for the proposed 12 new clusters in Jharkhand. The Chamber said that once these clusters become operational, it would give additional 10 percent revenue to the state exchequer..

Addressing a press conference Rawant said: "We have mooted a proposal for setting up 12 new clusters for small and medium enterprises on the public private partnership (PPP) model in Jharkhand to create four lakh direct and indirect jobs".

"We suggested to the chief minister to formulate new industrial policies as at present Jharkhand is following old policies. We also suggested formulation of agriculture policies to promote organic farming. Jharkhand's share in organic farming is zero," Rawat said.