Kolkata: Gun & Shell Factory (GSF), a unit of Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) organised the ‘MSME conclave on Indigenisation’ on December 15 at the Directorate of Ordnance (Coordination & Services), Rajarhat Complex, Kolkata, under the aegis of Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) and Yantra India Limited (YIL) also participated in the event.
Dedicated to empowering and advancing the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, the conclave brought together industry leaders, policymakers and entrepreneurs to deliberate on key issues like Opportunities for Make in India in Defence, Aatmanirbhar Bharat and share insights and explore collaborative solutions to propel forward the MSME sector.
The conclave served as a dynamic platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and contributed to the advancement of the MSME sector. The event featured interactive sessions on success stories of MSMEs, growth and sustainability of MSMEs in the coming years and challenges faced by small businesses, while evolving discourse on innovative solutions.
Renowned industry expert and eminent personality Dr N C Murmu, Director, CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur was the chief guest of the event and Rajesh Kumar Pandey (IOFS), Executive Director, GSF was the chief host.
Besides, Gulshan Ratan, GM (QAO & IND) CIO, GRSE; Capt Vineet Singh Bawa (Indian Navy Retd.); Dr Sudip Kumar Samanta, Chief Scientist, CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur; Dr Palash Kumar Majhi, Chief Scientist, CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur; Dr Aditya Kumar Lohar, Chief Scientist, CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur; D. Mitra, IEDS, Joint Director & Head of Office, MSME-Development & facilitation Office were also present at the conclave, among others.
General Manager, GSF P C Srivastava, presented the welcome speech describing the role of MSMEs in shaping India’s economy by generating revenues and employment. He also focused on the importance of make India ‘Aatmanirbhar’ and elaborated on the role of MSMEs in that context. Thereafter, Dr Uddipan Mukherjee, Joint General Manager, GSF introduced the agenda of the conclave and reflected on certain success stories of interaction of GSF with MSMEs.
Subir Kumar Saha, IOFS, General Manager, GSF was the keynote speaker of the event. He presented the history of GSF and its products. Moreover, he deliberated on items that are being indigenised with the handholding of and collaboration with MSMEs.
Dr Sudip Kumar Samanta, Chief Scientist, CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur; Arup Bhattacharya, IOFS, Joint General Manager, OFDC, YIL; Anandarup Bhattacharya, Senior Manager Indigenisation, GRSE and Mukesh Kumar, WM, OFC, Ordnance Factory, Kanpur delivered their respective speeches on the business opportunities for MSMEs. They also stressed that all the stakeholders along with MSMEs would have to work together to make India ‘Aatmanirbhar’.
Summing up the morning sessions, chief guest Dr N C Murmu, Director, CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur delved on the opportunities for MSMEs to make products indigenously with the help of modern technology.
In the afternoon session, renowned experts and guests engaged in a thought provoking panel discussion on topics crucial to the growth and development of MSMEs. These discussions provided valuable perspectives on navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in the current economic situation. Experts also delivered their thoughtful ideas on “Path to Aatmanirbhar Bharat”: Pioneering Indigenisation in Defence Production through MSME involvement”.
An interactive B2B session was held in the afternoon involving all MSME vendors and guests alike. An exhibition was also arranged by GSF showcasing technological adoption. The conclave facilitated immense opportunities, allowing participants to connect with potential business partners, mentors and collaborators encouraging mutually beneficial relationships.
