'Better infrastructure needed for industrial development'

, vice-chairman, CII, Maharashtra state council and director (export), Kirloskar Oil Engines, spoke on the present industrial scenario in Maharashtra.

BS caught up with him during his visit to Nashik for the CII Maharasthra State Council's Buyer-Seller Meet.

What do you expect from such buyer-seller meets?

You have a group of suppliers but there are times where bigger companies don't know what the smaller companies are doing.

The Buyer-Seller Meet, organised by the CII, is an excellent opportunity for smaller companies to showcase what they are capable of doing. This showcasing allows bigger companies to know what the smaller firms are capable of supplying to them.

Where do the ancillary industries in Nashik stand in terms of quality and competitiveness?

Ancillary industries in Nashik are at the same level as anywhere else. They are competing with others.

To survive in the business you must provide quality, cost-effectiveness and prompt delivery. A lot of change has been witnessed in the last 5-10 years. Earlier, we would talk of quality levels in percentage term, now we refer to it in terms of parts per million (PPM).

What are the challenges the industry in Maharashtra are facing?

The major problems the industry is facing in Maharashtra are infrastructure "� power, poor roads, inadequate capacity of ports and airports. Timely delivery is extremely critical.

But this becomes difficult if our roads, ports and airports are not functioning properly. Properly meaning the difference between current capacities and what they should have. Simply saying, roads, ports and airports in the state are running/functioning, but not at the capacity the industry requires.

What role is the CII playing for industrial development in the state and what are your priorities?

CII is an industry body. The concerns of an industry have to be brought up at the right forum and at the right time.

That is the primary objective. The CII needs to champion these initiatives. The Maharashtra State Council of the CII has decided to take an initiative to develop industries in tier-II and tier-III cities in the sate with an aim to decongest the tier-I cities.

Further, it will give industries more options. For that, basic infrastructure such as proper road connectivity should be available if any large company from Mumbai or Pune would like to create their base at Nashik or at any other tier-II and tier-III towns.

CII will take the initiative to build infrastructure in these towns through continuous discussions and development work with the government.

The Maharashtra government is taking initiatives to attract large industries to Maharashtra. In your view, what steps are being taken to attract industries?

There are two critical issues "� skilled manpower and non-availability of land. The non-availability of land is the most critical issue.

How do u see industries growing in Nashik over the next few years?

Industries in Pune were developed after a saturation level was reached in Mumbai. Now, Pune too has almost reached saturation limit. So now, Nashik will probably be the next industrial centre in the state.

The proximity of Nashik to Mumbai is a major advantage. Nashik will definitely be a major industrial hub in the next few years.

What are the CII's plans for Nashik?

Here, we have to conduct development programmes through the CII in the coming few months. We will organise a similar Buyer-Seller Meet at Hindusthan Aeronautic shortly.

In January 2007, the CII will organise a 'Agri Advantage' programme at Nashik.