- Over 7000 people participated in 44 free webinars till date
- Dedicated Digital prgrammes for Women Entrepreneurs and Agricultural Segment
- Interaction on financial schemes and assistance including SIDBI’s Assistance to Facilitate Emergency response against Coronavirus (SAFE)
“During these difficult times, MCCIA is putting in its best in continuing our responsibility of advocacy with various layers of the Government at the Center, State and Local. Along with the advocacy, we are also continuing to engage with our members in the best possible way”, says Pradeep Bhargava, President, MCCIA about the different initiatives during these tough times, supporting their members and industries.
Since the lockdown started in Mid March to tackle the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, establishments remained shutdown barring few essential sectors. Meanwhile, many companies and associations have started initiatives to utilise the lockdown period as a productive and skill enhancement opportunity for industries and industry people through digital platforms. “Dozens of online programs witnessed the participation of thousands of industries. We are glad to see this participation.”, adds Mr. Bhargava.
MCCIA (Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture) is one association which has taken major steps to this end. MCCIA is one of the oldest Chambers of Commerce established before independence with eight decades of presence as an apex body in accelerating the industrial and economic development of Pune region.
One of the most active chambers of commerce in India, MCCIA has not only been instrumental in promoting a number of institutions in Pune but also has continuously driven to make Pune a global business destination and has been a catalyst for the economic development of the region.
Taking cognizance of the current situation, MCCIA ensured that its membership remained intact via digital platforms through awareness programs, enhancing soft skills, leadership techniques, bringing them financial schemes and government connections. MCCIA conducted 44 free webinars till date, witnessing spontaneous participation of more than 7205 people. The association will continue its connecting effort with the industry (both members and non-members and ensure that they remain engaged.)
All the online programs of MCCIA will be free till the lockdown of 17th May. All programs conducted have been focused on supporting MSMEs to sail through the difficult phase. 7 programs have had a focus on Women Entrepreneurs as well. MCCIA has had 4 programs to strengthen the Agriculture Segment. Besides the association arranged interactions on Managing Virtual Teams: The Future of Work, Food Processing Industries – Discussions amid COVID19, COVID 19 – Legal Implications, Journey of Quality Excellence, Digital Tools to Run your Business during Lockdown, interaction with doctors, sessions on GST and decoding MSEDCL amongst others.
MCCIA has focused on bringing information on financial schemes and facilitating government interaction during the lockdown period. The association has had special sessions on financial schemes with banks like SIDBI and Bank of Maharashtra. MCCIA has had sessions on MSME Schemes useful post lockdown by MSME-DI, on Supply Chain operational challenges and solutions post lockdown. MCCIA also had interaction for its members with Joint DGFT and Exim Bank. MCCIA arranged a session with JDC, DC- MSME, GOI on Technological Support for Enhancement of MSMEs and on How to resume Manufacturing Operations post lockdown.
SIDBI has shared information on SIDBI’s Assistance to Facilitate Emergency response against Coronavirus (SAFE). The quantum of the loan extended is up to Rs. 50,00,000 with an interest rate of 5% per annum. The manufacturing list includes 19 items of Medical Supplies which are the need of the hour.
The interactive session with Lokesh H. D., Joint Director General of Foreign Trade, Pune and Rupesh Kumar Sharma – Regional Head, Export Import Bank of India, Pune focused on the continuation of the foreign trade policy and procedures, extension in the time limit for compliances, addressing finance needs of exporters and information on concessions given by ECGC to the exporters.
The session by Abhay Daptardar, Asst. Director, MSME-DI on MSME Schemes useful post lockdown for enhancing manufacturing competitiveness was useful for the MSMEs to understand how to increase their competitiveness in the post lockdown period. The Regional PF Commissioner, Atul Kotkar enlightened the participants on the scheme to implement the PMGKY package for credit of employees and employers share of EPF and EPS contributions.
Mandeep Kaur, Joint DC, Ministry of MSME spoke at length on Seed Capital Support, Design Clinic Schemes, Digital Platform for MSME and IPR schemes amongst others. Similarly, the session on Supply Chain and Operations- Challenges and Solutions post lockdown gave insights into aspects like inventory management, cost reduction techniques and leadership to be demonstrated by the MSME owners post lockdown.
MCCIA has completed a survey to understand the problems faced by MSMEs and analyze the current situation. MCCIA would also stay connected with MSMEs through dip-stick studies to understand their sentiments and make appropriate government representations. MSMEs are dire need of support and measures to weather and current challenges and MCCIA is trying to facilitate a different way out for MSMEs.
