- BCIC & Karnataka Government are focusing on Industry 4.O, ICT, Skill Development, etc.
- Post COVID19 manufacturers found out newer ways of cost-cutting, propelled human development with quick implementations
- BCIC opened a new SME cell that focuses on HR, Cost Reduction, Kaizen Programs, and special attention to the MSME sector
In India’s manufacturing map, Karnataka has a special place due to its robust textile, agro, heavy engineering, and automobile industries. However, over the last decade or so, Information Technology has gained eminence in the state, shadowing the prevalent eminence in the core manufacturing sector. Even the state has lagged behind neighboring Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in attracting investment into the core manufacturing sector. To add up to the woes, the COVID pandemic and lockdown have made life challenging for numerous MSME and SME units in the state. Bangalore Chamber of Industry & Commerce (BCIC) has come forward to alleviate the challenges of the MSMEs and SMEs by facilitating news technology-driven change in the sector in collaboration with the government and industry stakeholders.
Machine Maker had an exclusive interaction Parsuraman T R, President of BCIC, discussed various nuances and challenges of the manufacturing sector, and how he envisions to bring back the lost glory of industrial activities of Karnataka. The whole time Director of the Toyota Industries Engine India Private Limited Mr. Parasuraman aims to enhance the manufacturing sector, especially the MSMEs in the state during his tenure. Earlier known as the Greater Mysore Chamber of Industry (GMCI), BCIC is a chamber of commerce that represents the large and medium industries in Karnataka. Many eminent and key personalities from the field are the member of this chamber.
The pandemic altogether brought new processes and solutions for the manufacturing industries, like working from how which never existed or thought about by many. In addition, direct meetings with government officials and bureaucrats have become easier, and on time. The new normal is altogether a welcome note for the industry
The chamber accounts as good as 90% of the service sector of the State of Karnataka and represents 95% of capital investment. BCIC plays an important role in promoting trade and investment for its member companies. The chamber has acted as a medium between the manufactures and the government. The Karnataka Government has been a big support as BCIC has had several meetings with the officials and got excellent solutions as soon as possible. They met Industry Minister Jagadish Shettar as well as other officials of the administration to discuss industry-related issues during the recent lockdown and got excellent support, which enabled the BCIC to successfully providing the much-needed support to the manufactures and motivating them to grow.
The Chamber has established different cells such as the MESE cell the Ease of Doing Business cell that has many eminent members. The MSME Cell is chaired by M N Vidyashankar, who has served as Principal and Additional Chief Secretary to Government of Karnataka. Under the leadership of Mr. Parasuraman BCIC’s this year’s motto is ‘Namma Karnataka – The Gateway to the Future of India'. Mr. Parsuraman also enlightened us about how BCIC and the government together are focusing on Industry 4.O, ICT, Manufacturing plus skill development, etc., with new cells being introduced to work remotely and efficiently.
Planning New Normal for Manufacturing
“The pandemic is like a wake-up call to make the manufacturers learn new ways and norms to do business, welcome innovations, create new processes”, shared Mr. Parsuraman regarding the current situation. He added that the manufacturers had huge access to indirect manpower that they were able to utilize during this lockdown, and it was a great learning curve for many. The manufacturers found out newer ways of cost-cutting, propelled human development measures with the majority working from home, introduced several virtual and digital mechanisms, and within a limited time. The positive thing is the manufacturers were able to sustain their supply chains and manufacturing processes that have been built over years with virtual audits, virtual meets as well as limited visits.
State-of-the-art technologies like 3D Printing, Low-cost automation, Robots, Virtual Conferencing are enabling the manufacturers to overcome the challenges thrown by the pandemic and to mention the saving of huge travel costs existed earlier. BCIC introduced several webinars, e-learning processes to spread awareness about these technologies, which benefited members.
Efforts to Curb the Challenges of MSMEs
“This year the Chamber has taken some major steps and decided to address the issues faced by MSMEs and give them an appropriate solution”, said Mr. Parasuraman. Current problems of the MSMEs include primarily overcoming the pandemic situation, get best practices in terms of administration, human resources, etc. BCIC and the team have conducted many webinars addressing their challenges and how they can overcome the same. BCIC successfully took many issues to the Karnataka Government, and the administration helped them in getting quick loans, electricity concessions for three months, gaining quick payments from the bigger companies.
The Chamber has also opened a new SME cell that focuses on the human resource, administration, reduction of cots, Kaizen programs, and other issues of the MSME. Along with the MSMEs, BCIC is also focusing on start-ups and trying to create a better future for them. The Chamber is also encouraging start-ups to associate with the organization to share, participate, and create a better future for the manufacturing sector. The Chamber has established a new MSME cell that helps them in structuring, provide exposure to bigger companies, better communication with the government, conducting workshops, and connectivity programs.
Restoring Karnataka’s Eminence in Manufacturing
Karnataka has been home to many big public and private sector manufacturing companies, research organizations in defense and aerospace, etc. but after Y2K the emergence of the IT sector took away the focus. Managing the booming urban population, civic issues, travel ecosystem, now Karnataka is in its way to bring back its manufacturing glory. “Making today’s manufacturers more flexible and welcoming towards technology, adopting automation and innovation will give the sector the needed boom”, added Mr. Parasuraman.
“Companies these days have to be really flexible and adapting toward technology, liner systems, novel concepts, and newer process. Aligning the company with global practice is away towards sustainability. In addition, the government should also accelerate the ongoing efforts like the 30-day framework policy, parallel approval, single-window approval channels, connectivity, infrastructure, etc. This will help the manufacturing industries in Karnataka to flourish again”, said Mr. Parasuraman.
Diverse Network of Sharing & Spreading Knowledge
BCIC’s membership network also works wonders in promoting trade and industry and also provides support to the manufacturers. The Bangalore Chamber has a brilliant team of Past Presidents, technocrats, and bureaucrats which includes many IAS and IPS officers who are always open to provide a convergence of knowledge, wisdom, and expertise. The organization through these experts conducts many seminars, workshops, and interactive sessions to spread awareness and share best practices within the industry.
BCIC also holds sessions for its members on financial structures, human resource development, and daily management, etc. where companies from different verticals come together on a single platform, creating synergy within the industry. The chamber’s external affair committee through its social media network and inhouse magazine SYNERGY reaches a larger base of audience/ companies, promoting the best practices for the industry
The organization’s 850 members belong to various sectors like Finance, Health, Pharma, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Energy, etc. This diversity provides the members with the opportunity of sharing and interacting issues and finding solutions that were never thought about. BCIC is a very dynamic organization focussing on many complex concerns of the industries with timely actions, exploring new business opportunities for their members, encouraging start-ups, etc. With the focus on making Karnataka the big economic base in the country, BCIC and Parasuraman T R is having great challenges to achieve. For more details, visit www.bcic.in
