In a bid to spur manufacturing sector in the country, the Confederation of Indian Industry has announced setting up of Visionary Leaders for Manufacturing Institute in the southern state of Tamil Nadu The domestic manufacturing sector received a major thrust on June 14, 2010 when the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) stated that it would set up a Visionary Leaders for Manufacturing Institute (VLFM) in Tamil Nadu (TN). The institute will aim to develop leadership capabilities among professionals engaged in the sector and build a highly efficient manufacturing community in the next 10-20 years.
Addressing a press conference on June 14, 2010, CII’s southern region chairman, S Gopalakrishnan said, “VLFM is aimed to further consolidate and transform the Indian manufacturing sector.” The decision to set up VLFM has come at an opportune time, considering that the index of industrial production (IIP) in April expanded at 17.6% on a year-on-year basis. It was one the best performances of IIP since 1993-94, with manufacturing activities in April expanding by 19.4%. The manufacturing sector contributes nearly 80% to IIP.
 Manufacturing activities expanding in TN
Meanwhile, CII’s announcement has sent cheers among manufacturing companies in TN that believe VLFM will give them professionals who will play an instrumental role in boosting their business. According to D Gandhikumar, president of Tamil Nadu Small and Tiny Industries Association (TANSTIA), “Manufacturing activities are expanding in TN with places like Coimbatore emerging as a hub for component supply to various industries like automobile. VLFM will therefore play an instrumental role in grooming budding professionals, thereby boost the state’s manufacturing sector.”
Mr Gandhi also added that considering the fact that manufacturing significantly contributes to the country’s GDP, strengthening of the community will bolster the India’s GDP. Experts also believe that establishment of VLFM will help manufacturing firms to match their global counterparts in terms of professional expertise. Meanwhile, CII also revealed its plans to formulate state-level manufacturing policies for southern states to further fuel the sector. Among others, the policies will be aimed to promote ‘green’ manufacturing.
Arup Choudhury |
