Search - Investment Destination - West Bengal - October 2012 by Infomedia18

SEARCH - Supplement October 2012

EDITORIAL

MANUFACTURING MAKEOVER ven as industrialists worry over the slow pace of reforms hitting industrial resurgence in West Bengal, the state has recorded an industrial growth rate that is 1.1% higher than the national average. More than `9,000 crore worth of new projects have been commissioned in the last four years and the state hosts 72,437 companies (West Bengal is second only to Maharashtra in terms of companies established), with a paid-up capital of `39,753 crore. Further, between 2006 and 2010, the state has received investments worth over `36,000 crore for its 1,313 large and medium industrial units, thereby creating direct employment opportunities for 1.41 lakh people. In fact, the industrial investment in West Bengal has increased significantly over the past few years, contrary to the perception in various quarters of the industry.

But perceptions are not without premises. Nandigram and Singur remain a grim reality that continues to haunt the region as well as the investors. Experts believe that the state should take promotional steps to change this perception of global investors and adequately highlight the benefits that the state offers. The government and the entire administrative machinery need to have a shared vision for facilitating economic growth in the state. Pro-investor attitude needs to percolate to the lower bureaucracy as well. Further, the government needs to initiate a sustained mass communication campaign to create a widespread buy-in for successful implementation of development initiatives. Today, West Bengal may not enjoy investors’ confidence as compared to some other states of the country. However, the state has certain industrial verticals that have ensured its competitiveness. The state is the leading exporter of finished leather goods in the country, accounting for nearly 25%. In addition, the region contributes almost 4% to the petroleum products and 13% to the polymer production of the country. It is also one of the fastest growing states in terms of IT and ITeS. The State Government is now emphasising on setting up industries in areas that are considered backward and have uncultivable land and the setting up of industrial clusters that can use common infrastructure. At the same time, certain parts of the state have been identified as Industrial Growth Zones where large scale manufacturing units can be set up. Based on the availability of non-agricultural land, presence of industry and infrastructure, several industrial zones have been identified by the State Government. The State Government has recognised the importance of the private and joint sectors in ensuring accelerated growth and in improvement and upgradation of industrial as well as social infrastructure. Keeping in mind the recent surge in entrepreneurs’ interest to set up industry in the state, the government provides incentives to them. WBIDC is the nodal agency for the disbursement of incentives under various schemes. With the State Government waking up to the crisis that is hurting the growth of the most cultured, well-read state with rich art and literature, it is time that commerce marks its presence in this illustrious state. While resurgence with right reforms is guaranteed, spelling success amid scattered growth should be the agenda of all the stake owners in West Bengal’s progress…industry, policy makers, academia…all included!

Archana Tiwari-Nayudu archana.nayudu@network18publishing.com

CONTENTS 16

Opinions & More

‘Cost Of Operations Is Significantly Lower In West Bengal Than Other Metros’ Rajesh Nath, MD, VDMA India

30 INVESTOR-FRIENDLY WEST BENGAL Taking India Forward

7 10 14 18 20

EDITORIAL

‘Power Is Not A Major Problem In West Bengal’ Chetan Dugar, Director, CECO Electronics Pvt Ltd

‘Low-cost Labour Is Easily Available In The State’ AK Sareen, MD, Ceratizit India Pvt Ltd

‘West Bengal Will Definitely Become A Major Industrial Hub In The Next Five Years’ Rajesh Kumar Banka, MD, Safcon Seals Pvt Ltd

WEST BENGAL HIGHLIGHTS

SUNSHINE SECTORS Offering West Bengal A Competitive Edge

SMALL WONDER A Front Runner To Facilitate SME Growth

GROWTH ENABLING AND DISABLING FACTORS The Good And The Bad Of West Bengal

PRODUCT UPDATE

ADVERTISERS’ & PRODUCT INDEX

FIRSTS FOR WEST BENGAL Driving Growth With Innovation

ELEMENTS OF GROWTH Rising Bengal: The Land of Opportunities

EMERGING REGIONS Striking The Right Cord With The Industry

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SEARCH - Supplement October 2012

WEST BENGAL HIGHLIGHTS

WEST BENGAL GOVERNMENT CONSTITUTES NATURAL FIBRE MISSION The Government of West Bengal has set up a Natural Fibre Mission for developing natural fibre-based enterprises in the state. The Fibre Mission, set up at a cost of `2.57 billion, will help in the generation of rural employment in 11 backward districts of the state, Manas Bhunia, the state’s Micro & Small Scale Enterprises and Textiles Minister, recently said. According

to him, the Mission would help in improving cotton, silk, jute, coir, bamboo and other industries in the state. The 11 districts that are being targeted under the Mission are Bankura, Purulia, Birbhum, Malda, Murshidabad, South 24 Paraganas, Jalpaiguri, East and West Midnapore, as well as North and South Dinajpur districts.

TATA CHEMICALS TO IMPROVE OPERATIONS IN ITS SODA ASH UNIT IN HALDIA Tata Chemicals Ltd (TCL), the world’s second-largest producer of soda ash and a major supplier of soda ash and sodium bicarbonate to the textile industries, is planning to improve operations at its Haldia unit in West Bengal. Stirred by the rising demand in BRICS countries, the global demand for soda ash has increased by 6%, said Ratan Tata, while addressing the shareholders of the company in the capacity of Chairman for the last time during company’s 73rd Annual General Meeting. Though there has been a rise in the global production of soda ash, there are imbalances as well. While there is overproduction in China, other countries are facing shortage. Light soda ash is used in dyeing cotton and other cellulose fibres such as linen, rayon, tencel or hemp, to increase the pH (alkalinity) of the reaction. Sodium bicarbonate, technical and refined grades, is used in curing wool and silk fibre. It also aids in the dyeing and printing of wool and silk fabrics.

TEXMACO’S COACH UNIT TO BE COMMISSIONED THIS FISCAL Leading wagon manufacturer Texmaco, which is in the process of product diversification, has said that its unit for Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) and metro coaches would be commissioned during this fiscal. The rollout of EMU coaches is likely by the second half of the next fiscal. The manufacturing unit is being built at Texmaco’s Sodepur unit in

West Bengal. In the coach project, the Kolkatabased company is gradually progressing from EMU to the other projects. The company has already started its project for EMU. The project will be commissioned this year, while the rollout of the product will be during the second part of the next fiscal.

IECL BAGS THREE PROJECTS WORTH `331 CRORE IN WEST BENGAL IL&FS Engineering and Construction Company Ltd (IECL), has bagged three power projects worth `331 crore from the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (WBSEDCL) under the Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF) Scheme. The three projects are for supply and delivery of materials and equipment for rural electrification projects for villages in 24 Paraganas (south) district, are to be completed simultaneously in 24 months. The first project worth `99.22 crore involves the supply and delivery of materials and equipments for rural electricity infrastructure and household electrification of villages covering Thakurpukur, Mahestola, Budge, Budge-I, Budge-II, Kultali, Basanti, Sonarpur, Bhangar-I, Bhangar-II, Bishnupur-I, and Bhishnupur-II blocks in 24 Paraganas (South) district of West Bengal under BRGF. The second project worth `115.74 crore covers Canning-I, Canning-Ii, Baruipur, Joynagar-I, Joynagar-Ii, Mathurapur-I, Mathurapur-II, Magrahat-I & II, and Mandir Bazar blocks in the same district. The third project worth `115.73 crore, involves the supply and delivery of materials and equipment for rural electricity infrastructure and household electrification of villages covering Kulpi, Kakdwip, Namkhana, Pathar Pratam, Falta, Diamond Harbour-I & II.

MAHALAXMI INVESTS `200 CRORE IN WEST BENGAL Jharkhand-based promoters of `1,000 crore Mahalaxmi Group, manufacturers of TMT bar and stainless product, is all set to commission its second rolling mill at Howrah soon. During the next couple of months, the company’s Asansol unit will manufacture 20,000 tonne of high-

grade stainless steel. The project in Asansol is spread over 11 acre of land. The turnover of the unit for the first year is expected to be `200 crore, which shall be upped in the subsequent year to `30 crore, and by the end of the seventh year, the projected turnover is expected to touch `700 crore.

The new facility will directly employ 200 skilled manpower besides another 300 casual labourers. The Howrah mill will make Mahalaxmi the single largest TMT Bar manufacturer in West Bengal. The unit will produce TMT bars ranging from 8, 10, 12, 16 mm in Grades of Fe-415,500.

SEARCH - Supplement October 2012

WEST BENGAL HIGHLIGHTS

ESSAR SETS ITS EXPECTATIONS FOR METHANE EXTRACTION IN BENGAL Essar Energy has set a target of extracting 1 trillion standard cubic metres per day of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) gas from 600 wells in West Bengal’s Asansol-Durgapur region. The company, which is currently producing 28,000 standard cubic metres per day of CBM from 50 wells around the Durgapur region, expects that in another 18 months from now, it will have at least 300 exploratory wells. According to the company, although there were proposals from various industries for the supply of

STATE RECEIVES `500-CRORE INVESTMENT PROPOSALS IN FOOD INDUSTRY The West Bengal Government has received investment proposals worth `500 crore in the food processing industry over the past year. Ujjwal Biswas, State Minister for Food Processing Industry, recently said, “The State Government has investment proposals worth `500 crore in the food processing sector, including proposals for setting up food parks,” The Minister said that the government would offer a subsidy of up to `50 lakh to develop infrastructure for the bakery industry. According to him, plans are on to kick-off an entrepreneurship training programme for the micro and small food processing enterprises. He added, “We are prepared to start this training in 100 blocks as a pilot project.”

gas, most of the industries were unable to ascertain volumes because of the indecision on prices. Matix Fertiliser and the West Bengal State Transport Corporation have expressed interest to take gas from Essar, but none could ascertain quantities because of unknown prices. Essar is also in talks with the state power department for supplies of gas to a power project, but nothing has been finalised as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board was yet to come out with the final prices.

BENGAL TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES TO GREEN ENERGY PROJECT DEVELOPERS The State Government is in the final stages of issuing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for those who set up renewable energy projects in the state. The draft policy on renewable energy and the issue of RECs has already been put up on the government’s website by the regulatory commission. RECs are generationbased certificates that are awarded electronically in a demat form to those who generate electricity from renewable sources including solar, biomass, wind and water. The state was looking to push the usage of renewable energy initially, through smaller units. The State Government is also discussing with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, a statutory regulatory body on energy conservation, to come up with a similar project.

DURGAPUR STEEL PLANT POSTS BEST AUGUST PERFORMANCE EVER SAIL’s Durgapur Steel Plant achieved record August-month performance since its inception in all important product categories. The production of hot metal, crude steel and saleable steel were 105%, 103% and 96% of the targets, respectively. The plant also witnessed the best August-month performance in the production of blend mix, sinter, blooms and billets, as also special steels and value-added products. The production of special steel and value-added products recorded 6% growth over the corresponding month last year.

PARAG MILK FOODS TO SET UP DAIRY PLANT IN WEST BENGAL The Pune-based `1,000-crore dairy company, Parag Milk Foods, plans to scale up its production capacity by setting up milk processing plants, one each, in East and North India. The units are likely to come up in West Bengal and either in Haryana or Delhi. The company plans to set up a dairy unit with a capacity of processing about five lakh litres of milk a day in West Bengal. For the same, the company requires about 20 acre of land. Parag Milk, which markets dairy products under the ‘Gowardhanand’ and ‘Go’ brands, currently has plants in Pune and Andhra Pradesh with a combined capacity of processing 20 lakh litres of milk a day. The company will invest nearly `100 crore on these two plants, which will come up within the next couple of years.

STATE GOVERNMENT APPROVES `450 MILLION FOR TWO SICK JUTE MILLS The Government of West Bengal has approved `450 million relief package for the workers of two sick mills under the National Jute Manufacturers’ Corporation (NJMC). The rehabilitation package for Kennison Jute Mill and Khardah Jute Mill, both located in Hooghly district of the state, was approved at a meeting of the State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The two mills, which employ over 5,000 workers, would be granted status of relief undertakings for six months. Of the total sanctioned sum, `270 million would go to Khardah Jute Mill, while the Kennison Jute Mill would be given `180 million. The two mills have been sick since 1983. They had approached the Board of Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) in 1992.

SEARCH - Supplement October 2012

WEST BENGAL HIGHLIGHTS

RINL SETS IN MOTION FREIGHT CAR AXLE UNIT IN JALPAIGURI Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL) has started preparatory work for its proposed `278-crore railway freight car axle project in West Bengal. The project will be its first manufacturing plan outside Andhra Pradesh. The RINL unit is to be located on a 46-acre plot of land at New Jalpaiguri in the under-industrialised northern part of the state. The processes have been initiated for a feasibility study, flotation tenders for the plant & machinery and the off-take agreement with the Railways. A 30-year renewable land lease agreement with the Railways has already been executed.

RINL will pay an annual lease rent at the rate of 8% on the land value, based on the (local) circle rate. The proposed project would have the capacity to produce 50,000 pieces of axles a year. Each axel will have the loadbearing capacity between 22.9 tonne and 25 tonne, and will be 210 mm in diameter. The new plant will have the facility of forging and heat treatment. Though the off-take deal is yet to be signed, it has been agreed that the Railways would purchase around 70% of the production. The remaining output would be meant for local and overseas markets.

ROOFERS ANNOUNCES NEW CEMENT PLANT IN WEST BENGAL Construction major Roofers Group recently announced the opening of its new cement plant at Lodhasuli in West Midnapore (Jangalmahal). This cement plant in Lodhasuli is expected to bring not just development to the Jangalmahal area, but also assist the state in its industrial activity. According to the company, easy availability of raw materials is the reason behind the idea to come up with the plant here. The new cement plant, spread over 30 acre of land, has a capacity to produce 200 metric tonne per shift. This will be extended up to 600 metric tonne per day. The initial investment is `30 crore in the first phase, which will go up to `130 crore over the next three years. The plant is expected to generate employment for 200 people.

GROWTH FOR IT SECTOR AS US FIRM FORAYS INTO THE STATE US-based Corelynx will be setting up its unit in West Bengal. Chipdesigning company Mentor Graphics is also planning to make its foray soon in the state. According to experts, this is the first step in the state’s attempt to woo investors and become one of the top three IT spots in the country by 2020. Entry of these firms will catapult the state back on the national map of hardware engineering. Enterprise software development company, Corelynx’s foray into the state comes close on the heels of the entry of Mobidough, another US-based company in the state. On the other hand, Mentor Graphics’ office in Kolkata will be its fourth in the country. The

company has approached the State Government for 2,000 sqft area. The State Government has been giving a lot of emphasis on building electronic hardware industry in the state. The Information & Communication Technology and Incentive Scheme Policy 2012, which came into place after nine years, has both hardware and software policies embedded in it. The policy renamed the state’s IT Department as the Information Technology and Electronics Department to recognise the importance of the electronic system design and manufacturing sector. It is also looking at increasing the state’s share in production of electronic goods in India to 15% in terms of value by 2020.

TATA METALIKS KHARAGPUR PLANT EXPANSION WORK TO END BY OCTOBER Pig iron maker Tata Metaliks, promoted by Tata Steel, will complete its capacity expansion work at its Kharagpur plant in October. The country’s leading pig iron manufacturer is carrying out the expansion project at the existing Kharagpur plant at an expense of about `125 crore. The total capacity of the plant currently stood at 3.33 lakh tonne per annum and would go up by 10–12% once the expansion is completed. “At the end of October, we could start to produce as the result of the investment. After three to four months from then, we will start the full production,” said DP Deshpande, COO, Tata Metaliks Ltd.

HIRANANDANI TO INVEST `3,000 CRORE FOR HALDIA LNG TERMINAL The Hiranandani Group has drawn up plans to invest about `3,000 crore to set up a 4 million tonne (mt) Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal at Haldia in West Bengal. The move will cater to the needs of the Eastern India market. The Group is doing real-time monitoring study for the project, which would come under the Kolkata Port Trust area. The real-time monitoring study and clearances from the Centre are likely to be in place within six months. The company expects to start the work in another nine months. The firm is eyeing the markets of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and north Orissa. Apart from Hiranandani, other players like GAIL India Ltd, Petronet LNG Ltd and Indian Oil Corp Ltd are also looking at the East coast for setting up LNG terminals.

FIRSTS FOR WEST BENGAL

SEARCH - Supplement October 2012

Driving growth with innovation It is not only investments and industrialisation that West Bengal boasts about. The state has taken some major initiatives to attain the status of being one of the most investment-friendly regions. There are some unique initiatives and projects to its credit. Here’s taking a look at a few of them…

CSIR to set up first `100-crore Innovation Complex by 2014 The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will set up the country’s first CSIR Innovation Complex by 2014 at Baruipurin, costing `100 crore, to boost commercialisation of innovations. The innovation complex will come up in Baruipur on a 23-acre campus close to Kolkata. This will be the first of the three proposed innovation complexes in the country to be operational in the next couple of years. The other two complexes will come up in Mumbai and Chennai. Apart from the complex, a centre is also under development at a five-acre plot in Salt Lake City to supplement the activities of the proposed Baruipur complex. The Salt Lake centre will be operational soon. An innovation complex will capitalise on scientific

activities in the region by partnering with industries to commercialise innovations in labs of the Eastern region. CSIR has begun sensitising the industry about the collaboration opportunity in product development in the domains of biology & biomedicine, manufacturing, materials, machines and devices, clean energy & value-added products. Five other CSIR laboratories—Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata; Central Mechanical and Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur; National Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur; Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Dhanbad; and North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, Assam—will be involved in developing the innovation complex.

West Bengal to have India’s first synchrotron centre If all goes well, West Bengal will soon have the first synchrotron centre of India, which will make the country only the fifth country after France, Germany, the US and Japan to have a synchrotron centre. The synchrotron project would produce bright light ranging from infra-red, visible and X-ray which find applications in drug discovery & research, medical imaging and semiconductor materials analysis among others. It is a `6,000-crore project and is under Phase 1. Moreover, `250 crore has already been allocated to the project. Phase 1 of the project will be completed by March 31, 2015. The Saha Institute of Physics (SINP) has sought a 200-acre plot within the periphery of Kolkata and 20 MW of electricity for the synchrotron. The SINP is keeping its fingers crossed, as IISc Bangalore has also pitched in for the project. Moreover, they already have a plot of land at their disposal. The Karnataka Government has offered 500 acre of land in Chitradurga to the Department of Atomic Energy. Since the site of the project is yet to be finalised by the State Government, West Bengal could lose the synchrotron if it fails to identify a land.

In case of the non-availability of land, the prestigious project may be shifted to Karnataka. However, they prefer Kolkata as SINP is located here. The international science project with far-reaching potential will build the world’s fifth high-energy synchrotron centre in India. The other four are: the European Synchrotron Research Facility in Grenoble, France; the Advanced Photon Source Centre in Argonne, Illinois, the US; the SPring-8 in Harima Science Park City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan; and Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron in Hamburg, Germany. There are around 50 low-energy synchrotron centres all over the world including one in Indore. The centre, once developed in India, can develop synchrotrons for multiple applications—from building long-lasting jet engines to making creamier chocolates and designing new drugs. A synchrotron centre is a storage ring of electrons moving at very high velocity and energy that gives out intense light—from infra-red to X-ray. Synchrotron radiation sources also reveal information that is invaluable for numerous fields of research.

SEARCH - Supplement October 2012

FIRSTS FOR WEST BENGAL

First airport city project to take off by year-end Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Ltd recently said that the country’s first aerotropolis/airport city project at Andal, West Bengal, will be operational in the last quarter of this year. Spread over nearly 1,850 acre, the airport city will be located close to Durgapur, nearly 160 km from Kolkata. While the airport will cover nearly one-third of the area or 650 acre, housing projects, hospitals, IT hubs and industrial zones will come up on the remaining 1,200 acre. The Kolkata-based company is being promoted by Changi Airports India Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Singapore’s Changi Airports International Pte Ltd,

Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Ltd, Pragati Social Infrastructure & Development Ltd, Pragati 47 Development Ltd, Lend Lease Company (India) Ltd and Citystar Infrastructures Ltd. Changi Airport has a 26% stake in the project. The project with land requirements of nearly 2,000 acre had ran into trouble because of local resistance and over the issue of acquisition of farmland. The company also entered into a memorandum of understanding with The Mission Hospital to set up a 500bed multi-speciality facility hospital at the aerotropolis. The hospital will invest nearly `150 crore to set up the facility.

India’s first AC double-decker train Last year, the country’s first air-conditioned (AC) doubledecker chair-car train service between Howrah and Dhanbad started in West Bengal. Many called it a move that took India into the league of Europe and North America where multi-deck trains are a reality for more than a decade. The double-decker trains are designed indigenously by Research Development and Standard Organisation and developed by Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala. The coaches run on diesel traction. The train consisted of nine coaches, including seven AC double-decker chair-cars, with 128 seats in each coach. This train stops at Bardhaman, Durgapur, Asansol,

Barakar and Kumardhubi on both ways enroute, and the permissible speed is 110 km/hour. The overall height of double-decker coaches has been increased marginally (four-and-a-half inches) keeping in view the constraints such as overhead structures, bridges, electric traction equipment and platforms. These can be used without modifying any of the fixed structures, except for clearing some minor infringements. The new AC design has features such as aesthetically built stainless steel body, high-speed Eurofima design bogies with air springs for a superior ride experience and other safety-related measures. The coaches are also fitted with control discharge toilet system.

State to get its first REC solar plant Kolkata-based leading solar module manufacturing company, Vikram Solar, has been entrusted with the installation and commissioning of 1-MW roof-top gridconnected Captive Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant at Auckland Jute Mills, West Bengal. ‘Aradhana Investments Ltd’ has proposed to set up the project on the roof top of ‘Auckland Jute Mills’, both being the units of ‘Kankaria Group’. The project division of Vikram Solar will implement the project as Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) contractor. The solar plant has been recommended to be implemented under the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) mechanism. This will be West Bengal’s first solar

power plant under the REC mechanism. Auckland Jute Mills Pvt Ltd is situated at Jagatdal, Shyamnagar Township, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The proposed project site is situated on the banks of the River Ganges and is well connected by roadways. It is only 2-3 km away from Shyamnagar Railway station. The proposed plant will generate DC power from solar PV power plant. Smart grid-tied inverters will convert this DC power into conventional 3-phase AC power. The AC power will be further stepped up to high voltage & fed through transformers to utility grid & evacuate through Auckland Jute Mill’s own 3.3-kV substation to the nearest Bhatpara Township Substation. Compiled by Nishi Rath

SEARCH - Supplement October 2012

INVESTOR-FRIENDLY WEST BENGAL

Tata Group’s inglorious exit from Singur and the violence in Nandigram due to botched-up land acquisition for developing an SEZ have severely dented the conﬁdence of the business fraternity in West Bengal. As a result, the state has not been able to fully realise its potential as enough investments are not coming forth. However, all is not lost. Introducing policy initiatives aimed at developing modern infrastructure, encouraging large industrial houses to invest in the state and other investment-friendly sops like tax incentives, subsidies, easy procurement of land, etc., can make West Bengal one of India’s favourite investment destinations. ARINDAM GHOSH

espite a seemingly negative image of West Bengal among the business fraternity, the state has recorded an industrial growth rate that is 1.1% higher than the national average. More than `9,000 crore worth of new projects have been commissioned in the last four years. With 72,437 companies, West Bengal is second only to Maharashtra in terms of companies established, with paid-up capital of `39,753 crore. Further, between 2006 and 2010, the state has received investments worth over `36,000 crore for its 1,313 large and medium industrial units, thereby creating direct employment opportunities for 1.41 lakh people. In fact, the industrial investment in West Bengal has increased significantly over the past few years, contrary to the perception in various quarters of the industry. Traditionally, West Bengal’s economy has been primarily driven by agriculture, which has continued to be its core strength. This sector contributes 24% to the state’s GDP

(GSDP). However, the state has not been a favourite among the investor community as compared to other states in the country. The investments in the state have been primarily led by the public sector. The Singur & Nandigram incidents and uncertainties over returns on investments have strongly shaken the confidence of the private sector to invest in the state. However, the government is taking active steps to restore the faith of the private sector and reverse the situation in the state.

THRUST AREAS Easy availability of low-cost labour, both in skilled and unskilled segments, is a critical advantage that the state offers. In terms of power, the state depends heavily on conventional sources and has an installed capacity of 10,710.9 MW. Barring Kolkata, the state faces daily power cuts for long durations. Therefore, it is very important that the State Government takes appropriate policies to improve the power situation in order to attract investment. The state has

INITIATIVES FOR ATTRACTING INVESTMENT The Union Urban Development Ministry and the West Bengal Government recently exhorted banking and ﬁnancial institutions to set up their branches at the International Financial Hub in Kolkata’s New Town. At a meeting with Minister of State for Urban Development Saugata Roy and other business players in the capital, West Bengal’s Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim showcased the potential of the hub, which is spread over 7,000 acre of land. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently announced the setting up of an NRI cell to get foreign investment into the state. She also urged the NRIs, specially Bengali community living abroad, to come forward and invest in the state to improve the state’s economic condition. The West Bengal Government approved a new IT policy that focusses on the development of hardware and software industries in the state.

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INVESTOR-FRIENDLY WEST BENGAL

immense potential to develop power from renewable sources. At present, renewable energy accounts for only 2.5% of the total energy consumption in West Bengal. Realising this potential, the state has undertaken few projects to develop the renewable energy sources. The first megawatt-scale capacity grid interactive solar photovoltaic power plant of the country has been set up in Asansol district by West Bengal Green Energy Development Corporation. The state has already attracted a total investment of `4,000 crore in the solar power segment. The investment has been pumped in by various companies such as Bhaskar Silicon, Vikram Solar and Webel SL Energy. The Government of West Bengal is also planning to develop a new policy for encouraging investments in the region the uncertainty on investments made expansion of industries. Therefore, the in order to develop renewable energy. so far in the state. The move will play a State Government needs to take up critical role in improving the economic various policy initiatives for creating The State Government is and social welfare in the state. It may modern infrastructure. In addition, increasingly realising the importance benefit if the state policy makers study the government also needs to take of encouraging investments for investor-friendly measures followed stringent measures so that Singur inducing growth and development in in other successful states in which and Nandigram-like incidents are the state. West Bengal Chief Minister investments have played a critical role not repeated. This may improve the Mamata Banerjee has declared that in driving growth. affected confidence of the business the state has received `56,000 crore community. It will also help remove worth of investment proposals since At the same time, there is an her government came to power urgent need to address the debt in May 2011. She has also said scenario in the state to balance BENGAL TO ACCELERATE SCHEMES IN that Larsen & Toubro is willing the ratio between debt and the HANDICRAFT AND HANDLOOM SECTORS to inject `20,000 crore into the GSDP in order to improve the overall fiscal condition of the state. It is expected that this will The Government of West Bengal is keen to state. Recently, the West Bengal create enormous employment implement all state and central schemes for Government has urged leading opportunities in West Bengal. In developing handicraft and handloom sectors in the financial institutions to set up addition to industry associations state. This involves more than 12 lakh artisans and their offices in Kolkata. The like West Bengal Industrial weavers. move is expected to improve Development Corporation Ltd According to the Handloom Census 2010, there are the financial climate of the (WBIDC), Bengal National more than 5.5 lakh handicraft artisans and 6.65 lakh handloom weavers in the state who are state. Further, policy initiatives Chamber of Commerce & engaged in carving out intricate varieties of towards tax incentives, easy Industry along with CII and handicraft and handloom products. availability of land, etc., will be ASSOCHAM are playing an The Micro & Small Scale Enterprises and Textiles an added boon. In time to come, important role in promoting the Department, Government of West Bengal, is if the state is able to take up state as a favourable investment preparing photo-identity cards for artisans and these initiatives, West Bengal location both on national as well weavers, besides providing ﬁnancial support from will be able to play a more as international levels. banks through artisans’ and weavers’ credit cards. significant role in the country’s The State Government has, so far, developed 27 growth story. INITIATIVES REQUIRED clusters. While 16 clusters are in the soft Infrastructure lays the intervention stage, another 51 are in the pipeline. foundation for the growth and arindam.ghosh@network18publishing.com

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ELEMENTS OF GROWTH

Rising Bengal:

The Land of Opportunities The strategic location of West Bengal offers a deﬁnite advantage to the state. Because of its location, the state can tap the markets of Eastern India, Northeast India and those of Nepal and Bhutan. Moreover, the state offers sea route to Nepal and Bhutan, which are landlocked countries. West Bengal also offers access to the markets of Southeast Asia through the Northeastern states of the country. The state is endowed with abundant natural resources as well as favourable agro-climatic conditions that make it a suitable destination for investments. In addition, the state has had about 1,000 live investment projects worth `5.81 lakh crore in 2011 of which the manufacturing sector has acquired the lion’s share of 39.3%. NISHI RATH

est Bengal now has all that it takes to emerge as a frontrunner, not only among the Indian states but indeed the world over as it is led by a government that possesses a sense of urgency and direction.” This came from the current Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh, a few years ago. And the thought still stands true! West Bengal is one of the most densely populated states of India. The state is traditionally an agrarian economy and more than 70% of its population lives in rural areas. However, this situation has now begun to change as the services sector is increasing its contribution to the state GDP (GSDP), which, at present, stands at around $85 billion. In fact, the services sector has now become the largest contributor to the GSDP, contributing 51% to it. It is followed by agriculture that contributes 27% to the GSDP. The remaining share comes from the industry. Of late, industrial growth in the state has picked up pace. Major industries are located in and around Kolkata and mineral-rich western highlands. The state’s major steel plants are

“W

based in the colliery belt of Durgapur-Asansol. In the last few years, important industries like engineering products, electronics, electrical equipment, cables, steel, leather, textiles, jewellery, automobiles, railway coaches and wagons have been witnessing favourable growth in the state. The state has also registered an increase in per capita income owing to investment in sectors such as steel, real estate, power, retail and IT.

ADVANTAGES OFFERED BY WEST BENGAL Starting from a port city with one of the best road and rail infrastructure to strategic geographical location in the East, West Bengal has it all. Access to various markets and stable government, in addition to a knowledgeable & dedicated workforce, have always been added advantages for the state. The state is one of the favourite destinations for investors, because of the following major reasons: Geographical advantage: Because of its location, West Bengal offers huge advantage as it can tap the traditional domestic markets of Eastern India, Northeastern India

and the landlocked countries of Nepal and Bhutan, which are easily accessible through West Bengal. The state is also an entry point to markets in Southeast Asia, via the Northeastern states. Competitive cost of operation: Kolkata, which is a metropolitan city, has a comparatively lower cost of operating a business as compared to the other major cities of the country such as New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai. Natural resources: West Bengal has abundant natural resources and favourable agro-climatic conditions for agriculture, horticulture and fisheries. The state also has a prosperous hinterland of mineralrich states of Jharkhand, Bihar and Odisha. Excellent connectivity: West Bengal offers excellent connectivity to the rest of India in terms of railways, roadways and airports. Major stretches of the Golden Quadrilateral project pass through the northern districts of the state.

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Moreover, West Bengal has two modern ports, Kolkata and Haldia. This makes the state a complete package to attract manufacturers. In addition, the Government of India has declared the entire stretch of the Ganges between Haldia and Allahabad as National Waterway (NW)-1. The 560-km long HaldiaFarakka stretch of NW-1 has been developed as part of the multimodal system for cargo tariff from Nepal, Bhutan, North Bengal and the Northeastern states of India, which is an added benefit.

KEY INDUSTRIAL CITIES The Eastern state has 12 growth centres for medium and large scale industries, set up by the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC). These are exclusive growth centres for electronics, software technology and export processing. Some of the major industrial areas of the state are as follows: Kolkata—the capital and the largest city of West Bengal—has the third-largest urban agglomeration and fourth-largest city in terms of area in India. The city is the main business, commercial and financial hub of Eastern India and the Northeastern states. It is considered the gateway to the East. Siliguri lies on the edge of Terai and at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is situated partly in Darjeeling and partly in Jalpaiguri districts. It is the gateway to the Northeastern states. This advantageous location has made it an ideal centre of trade, commerce and transit tourist traffic. As the city lies on the trade route to Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, it has always attracted people from its vast hinterlands stretching as far as Bihar, eastern fringes of Uttar Pradesh and Assam. As a result, Siliguri has acquired a cosmopolitan character. Asansol, though considered to be a quiet city, is known as the ‘mining

ELEMENTS OF GROWTH

metropolis’ of West Bengal. It has grown tremendously over the years in terms of infrastructure, economic growth and development activities. With its rich mineral resources, high industrial development and a growing population, Asansol has emerged as the next obvious choice after Kolkata for retail and real estate activities. Located in the heart of Raniganj coalfield, this city is ranked 28 in India as per potential market value. Durgapur is a major industrial city and houses a number of power plants and chemical & engineering industries. Called the ‘Steel City of the East’, Durgapur is today a prime mover in the state’s industrial drive. Durgapur has a well-connected network of roadways and railways. In addition, Damodar River provides water resources for Durgapur. The main ingredients— connectivity and water resource—have attracted many companies to Durgapur in the past few years.

ASANSOL–DURGAPUR BELT Durgapur is one of the important industrial regions of the country. Asansol ﬁnds a place among the 10 fastest growing Indian cities. The city has also been successful in attracting heavy industries because of its location and the ease of access to raw materials like coal & iron ore. Areas like Mangalpur and Jamuria have also developed a large number of small and medium-scale industries. The Asansol–Durgapur Development Authority (ADDA) has also developed an Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP) to provide high-standard facilities to exportoriented industries.

SECTORS DRIVING THE GROWTH According to Subir Gokarn, Deputy Governor, RBI, “The growth of industry in West Bengal had been slow. However, the state has the potential to increase its industrial activities.”

“West Bengal is exploring a longterm strategy for industrialisation as the relative growth performance in the last decade was not encouraging,” he added. Gokarn believes that the key sectors where West Bengal can do well are metals, coal, textiles and food processing. Apart from these, major sectors such as biotechnology, leather, jute products, IT and gems & jewellery also seem to have a bright future in the state. The mineral-rich state has attracted various major players to its vicinity. West Bengal stands third in the country in terms of mineral production. The state contributes about one-fifth to the total production of minerals in the country. Coal constitutes 99% of the minerals extracted in West Bengal. The state has rich deposits of coal, rock phosphate, granite, manganese, silica, fire clay, road metal, quartz, apatite, dolomite, feldspar and limestone, among others. Apart from this, china clay, limestone, copper, iron, wolfram, manganese and dolomite are also mined here in small quantities.

ROAD MAP TO SUCCESS A proactive and sustainable drive followed by the Government of West Bengal, with the support of all stakeholders, needs to be implemented to attract investments across various sectors. The state’s strategic location needs to be used to drive industrial growth. However, over the years, especially in the last decade, West Bengal has lagged in terms of growth due to several reasons. While the rest of India has grown at an impressive pace of more than 8%, the state has grown only at around 6%. Therefore, to reap the benefits from the economic growth of the country, the state needs to encourage the industry to invest here, keeping ground realities in mind. nisi.rath@network18publishing.com With inputs from ASSOCHAM

EMERGING REGIONS

Striking the

Right Cord with the

Industry West Bengal is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse states of India. Being an agrarian state having fertile soil, excellent agro-climatic zones and aggressive land-reform programmes, it offers tremendous potential for agri-business. The substantial growth in the agriculture sector provides the necessary base for accelerated industrial development in the state. At the same time, there are certain regions/cities that have gone ahead on the industrial path. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taking a quick glance at some regions in the state that have the potential to make it big in the coming years...

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NISHI RATH

DURGAPUR Situated about 171 km from the state capital, the IT hub at Durgapur is often compared to Pune because of the scale of development activities that are taking place here. Durgapur has been one of the major industrial hubs of West Bengal since the early 1960s. Here, steel plants are set across an area of approximately 6.5 sqkm. Because of this industrial outlook, the region has also attracted leading technical colleges and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Durgapur is no longer a base for only steel giants and technical education, the region is also becoming a hub for corporate houses. In the last few years, major telecom, IT and manufacturing giants have set up their offices here. Various e-governance projects have also been started, contributing significantly to the growth of IT in the state. Durgapur has a legacy of industrialisation and is rapidly becoming a corporate & IT hub. It is one of the brightest industrial regions in West Bengal. The city has registered nearly 25% YoY growth over the past few years.

DANKUNI Dankuni is a fast-growing industrial township near Kolkata. It is situated in Hooghly district. Mother Diary and Coca Cola are some of the big players that have set their plants here. Apart from these, private sector players and public sector giants have also made forays into the region. For example, Food Corporation of India has a major depot at Dankuni. The region is also well connected. NH2 Durgapur Expressway and NH6 Delhi Memari Road cross the city. Both Howrah and Sealdah stations of the Indian Railways are only 15 km from Dankuni. Additionally, Dankuniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategic location on the HowrahBardhaman chord line ensures it is well connected to the Dedicated

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Freight Corridor for rail-based movement of cargo connecting Eastern Railway and Southern Railway.

RAJARHAT Rajarhat, located in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, is a fast growing and planned new city. With advantages such as quality infrastructure, good connectivity to other parts of the city and the fact that the international airport is only 2 km away, Rajarhat has been successfully attracting investors. Moreover, Rajarhat is less congested and is less expensive to invest in as compared to other places, which makes it perfect from an investment point of view. The city is rapidly emerging as the satellite town of Kolkata. Due to expansion of IT & ITeS sector and SEZ projects, real estate activities in Rajarhat have increased manifold. In addition, growth of the software industry around Rajarhat has led to a strong influx of workforce from all over the country. Partha Chatterjee, Minister of Commerce & Industry and IT, Government of West Bengal, recently informed that the State Government is planning to set up a hardware hub at Rajarhat. Several IT majors like IBM, Genpact, Capgemini, Tech Mahindra, Ericsson, Accenture, Phillips, HCL Technologies, eRevMax, Aegis and Xoriant Corp, have already set up their operations in Rajarhat. Companies like TCS and Wipro are also planning to set up base here. Software major Wipro is seeking to set up its second facility at Rajarhat, for which the State Government has allotted 50 acre of land. The company would also continue to expand its existing facility at Salt Lake, Kolkata. Rajarhat is fast becoming a sought after real estate destination. Companies like DLF and Bengal Unitech of Unitech Group have made their presence felt here.

BANKURA Bankura, the fourth-largest district

EMERGING REGIONS

of West Bengal, is located in the western part of the state. It has great potential for expansion of activity in the SMEs and cottage industry. Good connectivity through road and rail, steady power situation, availability of land for setting up industries & cheap labour, both skilled and unskilled, offer ample scope for the development of Bankura. The district is rich in minerals like coal, fire clay, china clay and silica, which provide good scope to establish industries using the available minerals as raw materials. A few medium-scale industries have already come up at Bankura.

RAGHUNATHPUR Raghunathpur in Purulia district is an emerging hub for industrial investments. The town has attracted some major steel companies in the last few years. The city is located close to major national highways and railway & airport networks. This helps in connecting the city to large labour markets. Raghunathpur Steel & Allied Industrial Park is home to Jai Balaji Industries Ltd, Adhunik Corporation Ltd, Shyam Steel Industries Ltd and DPSC Ltd. The industrial park has been proposed on an area of approximately 7,420.24 acre, of which 2,914.99 acre has already been occupied. It has been estimated that the industrial park will receive investments worth approximately `28,417 crore, including major investments from three iron and steel companies—Jai Balaji Group, Adhunik Group, Shyam Steel Industries Ltd and one power project from DPSC Ltd. The State Government is planning to develop a 40-km industrial corridor from Asansol to Raghunathpur, on the lines of Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor. Debashis Sen, Principal Secretary, Civic Affairs Ministry, Government of West Bengal, recently said, “A development plan will be prepared keeping the industrialisation prospect

of Raghunathpur in mind.” It has been decided that various industrial clusters will be set up on both sides of the four-lane expressway between Raghunathpur and Asansol.

KHARAGPUR Kharagpur, an industrial town located in West Midnapore district, is all set to become one of the premier industrial hubs in the country with the help of the upcoming industrial park promoted by the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation—the nodal agency of the State Government. The industrial park will be spread across approximately 1,150 acre of area. The park is being developed mainly for industrial manufacturing units and their vendor parks among others. Telcon (a joint venture of Tata Motors and Hitachi) has set up its unit in the park on 250 acre of land. The project site is bound by NH6 connecting it with Mumbai and Kolkata, NH60 towards Balasore in the east and Orissa Trunk Road leading to the core city of Kharagpur. Kharagpur is also an important railway junction, bound by the Kharagpur-Howrah line of South Eastern Railway. The nearest port, Haldia, is only 60 km away and is well connected by rail & road. This makes the location lucrative for companies to set up base here. The town has diesel and EMU workshops that have created huge opportunities for a large number of medium and large scale units, which have, in turn, given rise to a considerable number of ancillary units. The strategic location of the town has also helped in the establishment of consumer goods, plastic, chemical and engineering industries, such as Tata Metaliks and Flender Ltd. nisi.rath@network18publishing.com (With inputs from West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation)

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SUNSHINE SECTORS

ARINDAM GHOSH

est Bengal is the fourth-largest economy in the country after Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. The tertiary sector is the largest contributor to the net domestic product of the state. This segment contributes 62.59% to the state GDP (GSDP). The primary and the secondary sectors contribute 20.78% and 16.63%, respectively, to the GSDP. During 2009–10, the state’s per capita income grew at the rate of 8.18%. Further, the state has received significantly large investments over the past few years. Between 2006 and 2010, investments of over `36,000 crore have materialised in 1,313 large and medium-sized industrial

over the same period. These figures are highly promising and generate interest towards establishing business. The State Government is also playing an active role in promoting the state as an investment-friendly destination. West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC) Ltd, the premier agency of the State’s Commerce and Industries Department, is actively engaged in promoting and marketing West Bengal as an investment destination. WBIDC has established many growth centres with basic industrial and social infrastructure facilities across the state. Other business associations in the state, such as Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BNCCI), along with CII and ASSOCHAM, also play a critical role in encouraging

industries to invest in the region. Commenting on the industries that have the potential to attract investment in the state, Rajesh Nath, MD, VDMA India, says, “The state’s favourable agro-climatic conditions have created innumerable opportunities in various fields, such as agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, tissue culture and floriculture.” The major industrial units in the state include tea, petrochemicals, electronics, leather, mining and information technology, among others. In addition, magnificent landscapes make the state a tourist hotspot. Some of the industries that continue to perform well in the state include tea, leather goods, petroleum products, IT & ITeS and polymer production. According to a CII report,

Offering West Bengal A Competitive Edge Today, West Bengal may not enjoy investors’ conﬁdence as compared to some other states in the country. However, the state has certain industrial verticals that have ensured its competitiveness. West Bengal is the leading exporter of ﬁnished leather goods in the country, accounting for nearly 25% of the market share. In addition, it contributes almost 4% to the petroleum products and 13% to the polymer production of the country. Besides, it is also one of the fastest growing states in terms of IT and ITeS. With this article, we present to you sunshine sectors of tomorrow that will offer a competing edge to the economy of West Bengal... units, creating direct employment opportunities for 1.41 lakh people. Though the economy of West Bengal is largely driven by agriculture, the state offers a lot of scope to do business and accounts for about 1/10th of India’s market.

SECTORS WITH COMPETITIVE EDGE During 2009–2010, the GSDP of West Bengal grew by 9.21% as against 7.2% growth in the GDP of the country

West Bengal is the second-largest tea-growing state in India and accounts for 24% of the total tea production of the country. Further, the state is the leading exporter of finished leather goods. The state accounts for about 25% of the country’s leather goods exports. It also accounts for nearly 4% of petroleum products and 13% of polymer production of the

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country. In addition, West Bengal is one of the fastest growing states in the IT and ITeS sector. This sector has made a major contribution to the state’s economy.

CRITICAL FACTORS SUPPORTING INVESTMENT The state suffers from a negative perception in the business community, and, as a result, does not enjoy investors’ confidence. The Nano episode in Singur has adversely affected the investment sentiment in this part of the country. In spite of these factors, industry reports suggest that over the last decade, West Bengal has experienced rapid growth. Today, the state has an industrial growth rate that is 1.1% higher than the national average. Projects worth more than `9,300 crore have been commissioned in the state in the last four years. Commenting on the factors that are attracting major investments in West Bengal, Nath informs, “The

SUNSHINE SECTORS

state has been recognised as one of the important investment destinations in the country. Ports at Kolkata & Haldia, efficient network of railways, roadways & airways, stable power situation, as well as improved communication system provide the state with major locational advantages. The state also

Though the economy of West Bengal is largely driven by agriculture, the state offers a lot of scope to do business and accounts for about 1/10th of India’s market. has a large pool of skilled workforce at different levels.” In addition, power is not a major issue here, unlike some of the other parts of the country. The state has an installed capacity of 10,710.9 MW and the government is working on further strengthening its power generating capacity.

KEY TO GROWTH: ENCOURAGE INVESTMENTS As the state is one of the largest economies of the country, it offers huge scope for investments. The government, through various policy measures and initiatives, such as tax incentives, subsidies, easy procurement of land, etc., should try to create a strong presence of the country’s big corporate and industrial houses in the state. This will play a key role in further increasing the productivity of the region. It will also help in the development of ancillary industries in the state. In the process, it will strengthen the economic & social development of the state. In addition, various programmes for creating modern infrastructure in the state will boost its productivity. The state may even become the new sunshine investment hub for the country. arindam.ghosh@network18publishing.com

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SMALL WONDER

Illustration By Sanjay Dalvi

A Front Runner to Facilitate

SME Growth

According to a recent study conducted by industry body, ASSOCHAM, West Bengal has emerged as a leading state in generating employment in the SME sector. The state has generated over 43,000 jobs between April 2011 and February 15, 2012. The study further adds that the state has assisted nearly 5,290 SME units in utilising about `52.49 crore of the margin money subsidies for facilitating growth in the sector. Here’s taking a peek into the growing SME world in the mineral-rich state… NISHI RATH

est Bengal has one of the largest Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country. SMEs have been playing a vital role in the state economy with their thrust on the generation of employment and self-employment opportunities. The Eastern state provides major advantages in terms of easy availability of raw materials, a comfortable power situation, skilled human resources and stable socio-political environment—the basic requirements for industrial development of any region. Moreover, the affordable cost of infrastructure, strong agricultural base, powerful & dynamic rural sector

and rich cultural heritage make West Bengal investor friendly in all aspects. The state also has a geographical advantage with respect to marketing and export—a key point for the growth of SMEs. While releasing the findings of the study conducted by ASSOCHAM, DS Rawat, National Secretary General, ASSOCHAM, said, “The SME sector accounts for about 45% of India’s manufacturing output and 40% of the total exports of the country.”

SECTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE STATE’S GROWTH According to Manas Bhunia, Small & Micro Industries and Textile Minister, Government of West Bengal, growth in the SME sector has been

achieved through the geographical cluster approach. He informed, “We emphasise on job creation in the village industry, which includes khadi & textiles, sericulture, handicrafts and agro-based industries.” Sectors like textiles and handloom, IT, biotechnology and food-processing industry have also contributed a fair share into the state’s growth story. According to industry sources, the sector that has witnessed the highest growth in the state is leather. The leather industry immensely contributes to small-scale industries. In fact, the main strength of Kolkata industrial cluster is leather goods, which includes handbags, wallets, fashion gloves, industrial gloves, travel & luggage bags and other such small leather goods.

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SMALL WONDER

Kolkata accounts for 60% of the total exports in leather goods sector. Apart from leather goods, finished leather by chrome tanning process and chappals are also manufactured on a large scale in the state.

readymade garments, bell/metal utensils, dal mills, hand tools, surgical instruments, wood products and mechanical engineering equipment.

NEW INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERS

SME POLICY

ASSOCHAM has suggested the setting up 17 interdependent clusters for SMEs on Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis to ensure inclusive growth in the state. The Association has pegged the cost of the clusters at `400 crore. Against the targeted 17 clusters, the department has created 37 clusters over the past one year, and 51 more cluster development projects are in the pipeline. Elaborating further, Rawat informed, “Setting up these new clusters will increase the state’s revenue by 10%. It is expected that this will create direct employment opportunities for nearly five lakh people.” Most of the SMEs of the state are using obsolete technology, thereby losing their competitiveness to largescale enterprises. In order to overcome this limitation, it has been suggested that an interdependent model— e-cluster model—be set up, where one cluster can buy goods from another. At present, only 43 clusters located in the state are recognised by the Centre.

In order to protect, support and promote SMEs, the State Government has come up with a number of investment and promotional policies. Some of these include: Industrial extension services Institutional support for credit facilities Provision of developed sites for constructing sheds Training facilities Supply of machinery on hire–purchase terms Assistance for domestic marketing and exports Special incentives for setting up enterprises in backward areas Technical consultancy and financial assistance for technological upgradation. Apart from these, the State Government is actively promoting SMEs in the areas of handicrafts, handlooms, textiles, sericulture, khadi and village industries. The Department of Cottage and Small Scale Industries, its Directorates and Corporations are actively engaged in realising the policy objectives of the State Government, which aims to promote the rapid development of SMEs. The policy involves a multi-pronged strategy comprising of a mix of institutional, marketing and infrastructure support, which can help the sector to sustain and accelerate the growth momentum. The state has enormous scope for developing machine tools, leather, electronics, food processing,

The state has geographical advantage with respect to marketing and export—a key point for the growth of SMEs. There are 6,500 such clusters across the country. The report also suggests that the State Government should set up a statutory body, like the Cluster Development Authority, for efficient utilisation of funds and overall development of SMEs. The new clusters to be set up include clusters for fishing hooks, textiles & handicrafts, locks, textiles & auto components, real & artificial jewellery,

ASSOCHAM SUGGESTS 17 NEW CLUSTERS IN THE STATE Barjora (ﬁshing hooks) Khejuri (textile and handicrafts) Bargachia, Mansinghpur, Hantal, Sahadatpur and Jagat (locks) Uhaynarayanpur (textile, auto components) Domjur (real and artiﬁcial jewellery) Alipur Duar (handicrafts and embroidery) Mogra (printing and packaging) Nathungram (textile and handicrafts) Metiaburuj Ward No. 138 to 141 (readymade garments) Tijala, Topsia, Phoolbagan (leather goods) Daspara (Ultadanga), Ahiritola (dal mills) Taltala, Lenin, Sarani (mechanical engineering equipment) Bowbazar, Kalighat (wood products) Matiary, Nabadwip (bell/metal utensils) Ranaghat (powerloom) Jhalda Proper, Purulia, Begunkaodar and Tanasi (hand tools) Kalyanpur, Purandarpur, Dhopagachi (surgical instruments, handicrafts). petrochemical and IT clusters. There is an urgent need to revitalise the manufacturing sector through the creation of such clusters.

SMEs: A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES According to industry experts, West Bengal has tremendous potential for cluster development and become the preferred investment destination for SMEs industry. It also has the potential to acquire dual dimensional growth by increasing the size of clusters. Moreover, recognition of clusters by the government will bring about inclusive & balanced growth and promote unique cluster branding of West Bengal. The industry is hopeful that the mushrooming SMEs in the region will act as a cog on the growth wheel of the state. nisi.rath@network18publishing.com (With inputs from ASSOCHAM and Directorate of Micro & Small Scale Enterprises, Government of West Bengal)

GROWTH ENABLING FACTORS

SEARCH - Supplement October 2012

The Good and the Bad What’s working for West Bengal? NISHI RATH

West Bengal has the third-largest economy in India and is one of the top investment destinations of the country. Though the state has witnessed a rough patch lately when it comes to industrial growth, it still has potential to become the top investment region. Here’s analysing some of the advantages that this state has over other states in the country…

Availability of raw materials and natural resources Minerals are valuable natural resources and constitute vital raw materials for various industries. Thus, they are important for the development of any region. In terms of value, the state accounts for around 3.8% of India’s mineral production and occupies the 7th position in the country. West Bengal, except Darjeeling district in the north and coalfields in the west, is covered by either alluvium or weathered rocks. Various metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits like graphite, tungsten, quartz, copper, kyanite, rock phosphate, feldspar, mica, granite, dolomite, barites, sillimanite, china clay, lead coal, fire clay, bauxite and limestone are found in the peninsular and extra-peninsular parts of the state. The Raniganj coal belt accounts for over 30,147 million metric tonne of good quality coal. Reserves of Coal Bed Methane (CBM), an alternative source of natural gas, is estimated at 1.64 million cu ft in the state.

Strategic location West Bengal’s strategic location offers it access to the traditional domestic markets of Eastern India, the Northeast and the landlocked countries of Nepal and Bhutan. The state is also an entry point to markets in Southeast Asia. Similarly, it can also coordinate with states like Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha, which have abundant natural resources, to become a formidable force on the Eastern coast of the country.

Port Connectivity Apart from having good road, rail and air connectivity, the state has two modern ports—Kolkata and Haldia. Both ports are being modernised and upgraded to cope up with the growth in cargo. In addition, a new 3,000-acre port-cum-Special Economic Zone is coming up at Kulpi in collaboration with Dubai-based DP World. The process of setting up a deep seaport near Kolkata has been initiated by the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India. Recently, a deep sea fishing harbour has been approved, which will help increase the export of marine fish and fish products to more than 25,000 tonne per year. With such promising prospects, industry experts predict a steady flow of investment in near the future in the state.

Growing IT hub West Bengal has been one of the fastest growing states when it comes to the IT sector. As experts say, growth of IT leads to overall growth. The Government of West Bengal is looking to use IT to its advantage and is keenly trying to position the state as the IT hub of Eastern India. The goal is to proliferate IT activity across the state, moving beyond Kolkata, which is currently home to over 250 technology organisations and 1.5 lakh knowledge workers. The focus of the government is on setting up incubation centres in Siliguri, Durgapur, Kharagpur, Bantala, Taratola, Rajarhat, Falta, Bishnupur and Burdwan. The State Government has also signed up an MoU with the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) to develop infrastructure facilities in these Tier II and III cities.

SEARCH - Supplement October 2012

GROWTH DISABLING FACTORS

of West Bengal Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not working for West Bengal? There are certain hurdles that the state has to overcome in order to realise its immense potential. While land availability remains a major deterrent, lack of skilled manpower is also snowballing into a big problem. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taking a look at the various issues that the state needs to tackle on an immediate basis in order to sustain growth in the long termâ&#x20AC;Ś

Lack of investor confidence Nandigram violence, followed by the Tata Nano Singur controversy, has come as a serious blow to the state from which it still has to recover. According to experts, the first blow to investor confidence came with the exit of the Tata Nano project from the state. Unfortunately, no action of the present government is directed at restoring the faith of potential investors in the state. The government needs to build confidence through a pro-industry outlook, ensure transparency and speed up the decision-making process.

Land acquisition for industry and infrastructure Land is a key driver for industrialisation, as large industries require vast tracts of land. However, as the majority of land in West Bengal is agricultural, its acquisition is a serious and emotional issue. Therefore, the challenge for the government is to address this issue from a holistic perspective, striking a balance between agriculture and industry.

Skilled labour West Bengal has fallen behind other states in terms of vocational education. The state may have skilled professionals with advanced degrees in engineering and management, but it lags behind in vocational skills. In addition, due to the industrial decline and migration of corporate houses, the best brains of the state have moved to other states, like Maharashtra and Karnataka, for better opportunities. Therefore, the challenge for the state is to build capacity to reduce the skill gap and try to create opportunities so that there is a reverse brain drain in favour of the state.

Social infrastructure In terms of social infrastructure, the state needs to pay attention to improve healthcare services and education infrastructure. In the next five years, development of physical and social infrastructure will drive and sustain economic growth. Even the best of policies will not lead to accelerated growth without adequate infrastructure and economic development. The government should build infrastructure in order to invite foreign investments. Private players should be encouraged to form healthcare centres of excellence and hospitals with suitable incentives. They also need to help the State Government to improve healthcare in rural West Bengal and backward districts. The government needs to encourage private participation for vocational training centres, take up more ICT initiatives and open agro-business-related institutes in key agricultural hubs.

nisi.rath@network18publishing.com

SEARCH - Supplement October 2012

OPINIONS & MORE

Cost of operations is significantly lower in West Bengal than other metros skills are some critical challenges being faced by SMEs. To overcome this, high level of R&D is required.

GOVERNMENT INCENTIVE MECHANISM

ath Rajesh NIndia MA

MD, VD

Some major initiatives taken by the government are: Financing medium & large-scale industries through loan schemes Facilitating investment proposals through single-window agency Engaging in developing various sector-specific industrial parks and e-governance.

WHY INVEST IN WEST BENGAL? “West Bengal has a favourable political climate, infrastructure and stable labour relations, which have encouraged industrial development in the state,” informs Rajesh Nath, MD, VDMA India, during an interaction with Arindam Ghosh. Excerpts... EASONS TO INVEST IN WEST BENGAL

Over the last decade, West Bengal has experienced rapid growth. Today, the state has an industrial growth rate that is 1.1% higher than the national average. Besides, more than `9,300 crore worth of new projects have been commissioned in the last four years and many sectorspecific industrial parks have also been developed. Additionally, the cost of operations is significantly lower here than in other metros.

to service providers. VDMA extended its services to India by establishing its nodal office at Kolkata and regional offices at Noida & Mumbai. The Indian team acts as a link between the German and Indian industries. It assists the German member companies in their endeavours in Indian market and supports the Indian industry in identifying the right technology partners from Germany. Besides, the Indian office has facilitated numerous tie-ups and collaborations between German member companies and the Indian industry.

ROLE OF VDMA INDIA

CHALLENGES FACED BY COMPANIES

The German Engineering Federation (VDMA) is the largest industry association not only in Germany, but also in the whole of Europe. It represents small & medium-sized enterprises in Germany and reflects the production process—from components to plants, system supplies/integrators

Infrastructure must be developed for setting up SMEs & large industries in the rural parts of the state. Apart from transport, electricity and communication, technology needs to be developed so that quality products are manufactured. Besides, low technology levels and lack of technical

The state has the fourth largest population. Besides land availability, West Bengal has a favourable political climate, infrastructure and stable labour relations, which have encouraged industrial development in the state. These factors have helped to increase the confidence of investors and speed up growth in the state. Efficient transport networks and competitive market rates have also helped the cause of West Bengal.

WEST BENGAL FIVE YEARS DOWN THE LINE… There are different areas where the government has taken initiative for developing the future prospects of the state’s overall economy through industrial growth. Some such areas are petrochemicals & downstream industries, electronics & IT, metallurgy & engineering, textiles, leather & leather products, tea, development of mine-based industries, etc. However, there needs to be a major thrust on technical education. In addition, long-term policies are required for successfully establishing industries. arindam.ghosh@network18publishing.com

SEARCH - Supplement October 2012

OPINIONS & MORE

Power is not a major problem in West Bengal challenges for West Bengal. As a result, some companies are mulling the option of moving to another region like NCR, Maharashtra or Gujarat. They believe that this will enable them to cater to a wider demand range, and may also give their business a greater thrust.

ATTRACTING BIG INDUSTRIAL HOUSES HOLDS KEY

Chetan

Dugar

Pvt Ltd tronics CO Elec E C r, to Direc

“The government is taking active steps to reduce the number of bandhs, as they hamper business and industrial activities. In spite of these advantages, the state still has a lot of catching up to do,” opines Chetan Dugar, Director, CECO Electronics Pvt Ltd, during a tête-à-tête with Arindam Ghosh. Excerpts…

EST BENGAL: A BUSINESS DESTINATION?

The business was started by my father DK Dugar, who was an electrical engineer. When my father was planning to establish his business here, he also looked at the advantages that the state offered. During the 1970s and 1980s, the industry was slowly coming up in the state. There were not many panel builders in and around Kolkata, who could provide quality panels to these industries. Fortunately, with the rising demand, the market for quality panels also began to grow in the state. Realising the scope, my father decided to start his business. Some of the companies we catered to included Jaya Shree Textiles, a unit of Aditya Birla Textile Division and Techmecho.

EXPERIENCE OF DOING BUSINESS We have had a good experience of

doing business in the state. It offers easy availability of cheap labour, both skilled and unskilled. Moreover, the state has many technical institutes from where we can recruit highly qualified students. Good power availability is another advantage of the state. Unlike other states, power is not a major problem here. Further, the government is taking active steps to reduce the number of bandhs, strikes, as they hamper business and industrial activities. In spite of these advantages, the state still has a lot of catching up to do. For example, the State Government should facilitate the process for obtaining bureaucratic approvals.

LACK OF DEMAND: A MAJOR CHALLENGE One of the biggest challenges here is the lack of demand. The state does not enjoy the confidence of investors—one of the biggest

The State Government should implement appropriate policies to create strong presence of the industry in the state as well as attract investments from the country’s big industrial houses, such as the Tata Group and Adani Group. If the government is able to get these giants to invest in the state, it will foster the development of various ancillary industries. This, in turn, will help in the economic development of the state and will help in rollling out new projects in favour of the state. Policy regulators

We have had a good experience of doing business in the state. It offers easy availability of cheap labour, both skilled and unskilled. Moreover, the state has many technical institutes from where we can recruit highly qualiﬁed students. should look at various options, such as tax incentives, subsidies and easy procurement of land, for moving ahead in this direction.

EXPANSION PLANS We are working towards expanding our dealer network in different industrial hubs of the state, such as Asansol, Durgapur and Bardhaman. This will help us to create a broader consumer base and further strengthen our ability to better serve our customers.

SEARCH - Supplement October 2012

OPINIONS & MORE

Low-cost Labour is Easily Available in the State “Things are far better in the state than its perceived image, which certain quarters of the industry have about the state,” says AK Sareen, MD, Ceratizit India Pvt Ltd, during an engaging interaction with Arindam Ghosh. Excerpts... workforce. This brings down the overall cost of the companies. In addition, the attrition rate is lower in the state, which is a critical factor favouring the growth of business.

LAND ACQUISITION: BIGGEST HURDLE

ACTORS MAKING THE STATE AN INVESTORFRIENDLY DESTINATION

Factor that has played a critical role in making the state an investment-friendly destination is that low-cost labour is easily available in the state. Moreover, the state has both skilled & unskilled

Land acquisition is the biggest hurdle for investors in the state. Also, the time taken to obtain approvals is much more in West Bengal as compared to other states. However, the State Government is working towards introducing mechanisms to ensure speedy clearances. Such moves will attract more companies to invest the state.

interest subsidy of up to 5–7 years. The government also has a provision on the waiver of electricity bill. The government is focussed on creating various avenues for employment generation. If the government can bring in policy measures towards encouraging big industrial names in the country, it will come as a huge boon for the state.

EXPANSION PLANS We are in the process of setting up another plant in Uluberia, as we believe that things are far better in the state than its perceived image, which certain quarters of the industry have about the state.

POLICY INCENTIVES The

state

offers

companies

arindam.ghosh@network18publishing.com

Our search for authentic and informative articles… SEARCH solicits, original, well written, application-oriented, unpublished articles that reflect your valuable experience and expertise in the general manufacturing arena. You can send us Technical Articles, Case Studies and product Write-ups. The length of the articles should not exceed 3000 words, while that of product write-up should not exceed 200 words. The article should preferably reach us in soft copy (either E-mail or CD). The text should be in MS Word Format and the images in 300 DPI resolution and JPG format. The final decision regarding the selection and publication of the articles shall rest solely with SEARCH.

So, join our endeavor to provide relevant and useful content to our readers… rush your articles, write-ups to archana.nayudu@infomedia18.in

SEARCH - Supplement October 2012

OPINIONS & MORE

West Bengal will Definitely Become a Major Industrial Hub in the Next Five Years FOSTERING INDUSTRIAL GROWTH IN WEST BENGAL

a ar Bank m u K h s Raje vt Ltd Seals P fcon MD, Sa

“We need to practice what we think, frame policies and execute them without loopholes. We need to trust people and allow them to work without fear,” avers Rajesh Kumar Banka, MD, Safcon Seals Pvt Ltd. During an interaction with Arindam Ghosh. Excerpts...

OUR EXPERIENCE OF OPERATING IN THE STATE

We manufacture tamper-evident and tamper-resistant security seals in India and offer a wide range of security seals for almost all applications. Tara Chand Banka, our late Chairman, started the business in 1966, and we have been going strong in the state since the last 45 years. Considering this, it is surprising that we hardly have any market in West Bengal. Most of our customers are based outside the state and we are also exporting our products worldwide. We have always served our customers with our best efforts and highest quality products & prompt services. During the 1980s and 1990s, even Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai customers hesitated to do business with any Calcutta-based company because of various reasons. We became their only supplier from West Bengal.

MAKING WEST BENGAL INVESTOR FRIENDLY Good infrastructure, ample land, good roads, transport, power and human resource with right attitude are some factors that can make West Bengal investor friendly. Also, education is another factor that can help in the growth of the state.

HURDLES ENCOUNTERED Businesses have been disgruntled with West Bengal’s orthodox rules and suffocating bureaucracy for long. The perceived inconsistency in government policy and stalled economic reforms have soured the investment mood in the state. The economy is going through a rough patch. The growth has also slowed dramatically after the tight-fisted monetary policy has dented consumer spending for nearly two years. Besides, delays in approvals held up several large projects and hurt productive investments.

It is regretful that every time we talk of industrialisation of any region or state, we only talk about attracting investment to the state. We talk about so-much crores of investment is coming to a state, but we hardly talk about encouraging the local residents to start small industries or encourage MSMEs. I believe that if local people are inspired and encouraged to start a business, exponential development will happen and big investors will be automatically attracted. At present, we need more units rather than volumes in terms of investments. Once we have ample local MSME units, it will strengthen the base to attract investment from outside the state and will provide more scope for MSME units to grow.

REDRESSAL MEASURES TO BE TAKEN We need to practice what we think, frame policies and execute them without loopholes. We need to trust people and allow them to work without fear. Control is required, but trust is more important. Our policies should be drafted with the view to benefit the industry and not to make them suffer. Reducing the paperwork could be the first step in this direction.

WEST BENGAL FIVE YEARS FROM NOW... West Bengal will definitely become a major industrial hub in the next five years. It has all the ingredients needed to develop basic infrastructure in a state; all it requires is fuel, i.e., appropriately policies and the right drive. At the same time, the government needs to implement these policies on the ground to ensure that the right results bear fruit. arindam.ghosh@network18publishing.com

SEARCH - Supplement October 2012

PRODUCT UPDATE

This section gives information about products, equipment and services available in the market. If you know what you want. . . refer to Product Index on Page 35 to find it quickly

ADJUSTABLE CABLE CLAMP

djustable cable clamp is a one piece pressure sensitive adhesive clamp designed to reduce the time spent on electrical and electronic wiring installation. It is widely used for securing wires, cables or fi xing and holding capacitors, electronic components of various sizes, diameter and shapes. The Ladder style fastening method can be released and easily refastened. They can be mounted in two ways using adhesive tape backing or screw-in. They are available for Cable bundle diameter ranging from 5 to 35 mm in natural colour. The clamp can withstand temperatures ranging from -25ºC to +85ºC.

Novoflex Marketing Pvt. Ltd Kolkata West Bengal Tel: 033-22260513 Fax: 033-22297814, 9903163634 Email: novoflex@vsnl.net Website: www.novoflexgroup.com

CORD ORGANIX

ord Organix is used for organising cables much more precisely. It reduces cable clutter, increases accessibility and helps to prevent the user from disconnecting/unplugging accidentally. Cord Organix is designed in consideration to cable management field and consists of six carefully designed components. It is not only easiest to use but also most complete. Installation requires no tool and labour, messy cab. It is eco-friendly and reusable product. Comes with easy to understand user’s guide packed in an attractive CD holder box to be utilised for safe storage of CD-ROMs, audio or video CDs. Cord Organix is applicable in computers, televisions & music systems, telecom / office equipment and home / kitchen appliances.

Novoflex Marketing Private Limited Kolkata Tel: +91 33 2226 0513, +91 33 2229 0523, +91 98307 63634 Fax: +91 33 2229 7814 Email: sales@novoflex.co.in, novoflexcal@vsnl.net Website: www.novoflex.in

ELECTRIC FORKLIFT TRUCK

lectric Forklift Truck is fitted with large diameter tyre thus reducing the rolling resistance of wear and tear. All wheels are accessible for easy removal. The truck has solid state

electronic control for traction drive and microprocessor based analogue control with built-in current limit. The truck has two independent systems of braking namely, Hydraulic and Mechanical. Moreover the truck uses variable speed totally enclosed generously rated 8kw and motor with higher voltage batteries (48V) for better efficiency. The chasis is designed with Robust open type fabricated structure of steel plates. The Mass unit is independently mounted on the chassis making its removal easy.

Macro Tech Equipment Pvt Ltd Kolkata, West Bengal Telephone: + (91)-(33)-24666261, + (91)-9831083880 Website: www.macrotechcal.com

HASP LOK SEAL

asp lok seal is a cost effective and practical tamper indicating security measure for all applications. The hasps Lok Seal installs easily and quickly, just insert the wire hasp through the holes of the object. Insert the hasp into the body of the seal and push it as far as it will go. The seal features one piece assembly, easy to apply simply by pushing metal hasp into plastic body.Also it is durable and unaffected by cold or heat etc. Combination of plastic body and metal hasp provides high strength and durability. Available with a choice of galvanised or non-corrosive, non-magnetic stainless steel wire hasp of several shapes and can be supplied with customers own design hasp. Available in wide variety of colours both Opaque and See through colours.

Safcon Seals Private Limited Kolkata West Bengal Tel: +91 33 2229 3991,+91 33 2226 0733,+91 33 2229 0535 Fax :+91 33 22265939 Email: safcon@vsnl.com Website: www.safconsecurityseal.com

MAXIDRILL 900 5XD: MAXIMUM PRECISION AND TOOL LIFE

he particularly rigid construction of the innovative tool now makes maximum feed rates for lengths up to 5xD possible. The special insert position notably increases

productivity while maintaining process security through the optimally designed chip pockets and controlled drill deviation. In combination with the recently developed universal grade CTPP430. The new drilling system MaxiDrill 900 is an unbeatable new product which fi nds optimum application in all fields of mechanical engineering. It also include features like system for drilling from solid material with inserts with 4 cutting edges, Torx PLUS screw system, Peripheral and central cutting edge are identical and drilling system for steel, stainless steel, cast iron, non ferrous metals.

CERATIZIT India Pvt. Ltd. Barisha, Kolkata Tel: +91 33 24940581, +91 33 2494 7146 Fax: +91 33 2494 1472, +91 9903986262 Website: www.ceratizit.com

TAMPER PROOF AIR VALVE

ir Release Valves function to release air pockets that collect at each high point of a full pressured pipeline. Air Release Valves can open against internal pressure, because the internal lever mechanism multiplies the float force to be greater than the internal pressure. Th is greater force opens the orifice whenever air pockets collect in the valve. Air Release Valves are essential for pipeline efficiency and water hammer protection. A streamlined disc profi le provides smooth flow and ensures low pressure drop which is designed for strength and deflection eliminates possibility of flutter. The machine has general manufacturing standard, AWWA: C-512. The valve can be applied in water, gas, oil etc and has Range from 40 MM to 200 MM.

K. P. Mondal & Sons Howrah, West Bengal Tel: 91-33-26530673 Fax: 91-33-26530673, +919432158671 Email: kpmondalandsons@gmail.com Website: www.kpmvalves.com

SEARCH - Supplement October 2012

PRODUCT UPDATE

BUTTERFLY VALVE

he butterfly valve controls flow by using a circular disc or vane with its pivot axis at right angles to the direction of flow in the pipe. The valve is used both for on/off and

throttling services. A streamlined disc profi le provides smooth flow and ensures low pressure drop which is designed for strength and deflection eliminates possibility of flutter. General manufacturing standard, IS: 13095/BS: 5155/ AWWA: C-504.the machine has its application on water, gas, oil etc and also has its range from 40 MM to 1800 MM.

K. P. Mondal & Sons Howrah, West Bengal Phone No 91-33-26530673 Fax 91-33-26530673, +919432158671 Email: kpmondalandsons@gmail.com Website: www.kpmvalves.com

TAMPER EVIDENT SEALS

t is Lead free; plastic wired security seal having Push Type Anchor Locking Mechanism for Security Applications of any type. Once it is sealed it must be broken to be opened and cannot be reapplied. It prevents pilferage, spillage and adulteration. It is pull-tight, adjustable, plastic strap seal ideal for securing canvas bags, mail bags and courier bags. It can also be used as a label carrier. It has limitless applications. It is highly flexible with strong teeth to ensure a secure grip. Its unique tail design ensures the seal is applied properly.

Novoflex Marketing Private Limited Kolkata Tel: +91 33 2226 0513, +91 33 2229 0523, +91 98307 63634 Fax: +91 33 2229 7814 Email: sales@novoflex.co.in, novoflexcal@vsnl.net Website: www.novoflex.in

The information published in this section is as per the details furnished by the respective manufacturer/distributor. In any case, it does not represent the views of

SEARCH - Supplement October 2012

PRODUCT & ADVERTISERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; INDEX

Looking For A Specific Product? Searching and sourcing products were never so easy. Just type SRCH (space) Product Name and send it to 51818

eg. SRCH Pump and send it to 51818 Products

Pg No

Products

Pg No

Air cooled heat exchanger ...................................................... 5 Air-cooled steam condensers .................................................. 5 Battery operated pallet trucks ............................................... 36 Bbl brake motor ................................................................FGF Bbl/kec flame proof motor ...............................................FGF Butterfly valves...................................................................... 23 Carbide rods ......................................................................BIC Cooling towers ........................................................................ 5 Cutting tools ......................................................................BIC Exhibition - engineering expo .............................................. 13 Flange mounting b5/b35 motor .......................................FGF Grooving & parting tools ..................................................BIC Hydraulic manual pallet trucks............................................. 36 Industrial valves .................................................................... 23 Insulating material solutions ................................................... 6 Kec ac motor.....................................................................FGF Kec dc motor ....................................................................FGF Kec slip ring crane duty motor.........................................FGF Material handling equipment ............................................... 36 Media and entertainment company...................................... 28 Metal cutting tool .............................................................. FIC

Milling cutter .....................................................................BIC Motor ................................................................................FGF Multi functional tools ........................................................BIC Pbegl geared motor ...........................................................FGF Pedestrian & rider operated counter balanced pallet trucks .... 36 Safety valves .......................................................................... 23 Security seal ........................................................................ BC Solid carbide drill .............................................................. FIC Solid carbide drill with ic .................................................. FIC Solid carbide mill............................................................... FIC Solid carbide reamer .......................................................... FIC Solid carbide reamer with ic .............................................. FIC Solid carbide special drill................................................... FIC Solid carbide special mill ................................................... FIC Solid carbide special reamer .............................................. FIC Spindle nose tooling ..........................................................BIC Switchgear applications .......................................................... 6 Turning holders .................................................................BIC Valves .................................................................................... 23 Water valves .......................................................................... 23 Wear parts..........................................................................BIC

Pg No

Advertiser

Tel. No.

E-Mail

Website

BIC

Ceratizit India Pvt Ltd

+91-33-24947146

info@ceratizitindia.co.in

www.ceratizit.com

DSM India Pvt Ltd

+91-20-66430813

ojas.mehta@dsm.com

www.dsmep.com

Engineering Expo

+91-09819552270

engexpo@infomedia18.in

www.engg-expo.com

FIC

G W Precision Tools India Pvt Ltd

+91-80-40431252

info@gwindia.in

www.gwindia.in

K P Mondal & Sons

+91-33-26530673

kpmondalandsons@gmail.com

www.kpmvalves.com

Macro Tech Equipment Pvt Ltd

+91-33-24666261

info@macrotechcal.com

www.macrotechcal.com

Network 18

Paharpur Cooling Towers Ltd

+91-33-24792050

pctccu@paharpur.com

www.paharpur.com

Safcon Seals Pvt Ltd

+91-33-22295486

safcon@vsnl.com

www.safconsecurityseal.com

.FGF

The Indian Electric Co

+91-20-66865200

iecmktg@indianelectric.com

www.indianelectric.com

www.network18online.com

FIC = Front Inside Cover, BIC = Back Inside Cover, BC = Back Cover

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