Confederation of Indian Industry, Bihar organized MSME Connect at Patna. The objective of the programme was to address the issues of MSME companies in Bihar on Financing and Government Policies & incentives.

While delivering an address at the Inaugural Session, Mr. D K Singh, Director, MSME DI briefed about the various initiatives of MSME DI and programmes they conduct for the development of MSMEs. In this highly competitive world, MSMEs needs to constantly upgrade themselves to remain competent, he opined. Activities of MSME DI includes providing techno managerial consultancy, conduct industrial potential surveys, organize various training programmes and capacity building through cluster development approach besides many others, he highlighted. He urged MSME fraternity to go for certifications and explore innovative ways for survival.

Mr. A K Mallick, Director – Industries, Government of Bihar in his address highlighted that the new Industrial Policy of Bihar Government is one of the best industrial policies in the country. The purpose of having the new industrial policy was to attract more and more investment and more and more employment. He urged the banks to play more and more proactive role in the development of industry in the state.He also mentioned that few plans for development of clusters in the state has been submitted to the Government of India. Once accepted by the Government of India, diagnostic surveys will be conducted in the proposed places for cluster development, he highlighted. He also highlighted that traditional industries entrepreneurs needs to be encouraged more & more.

Mr. S P Sinha, Chairman, CII Bihar State Council delivered the Welcome Address while Mr. Alouk Kumar, Member, CII Bihar State Council delivered the Vote of Thanks in the Inaugural Session.

The Inaugural Session was followed by a Round Table Session on Government Incentives & Policies and Financing. The Session was deliberated by Mr. G P Singh, Chairman, Policy Implementation Subcommittee, BIA; Mr. A K Thakur, Deputy Director – Industries, Government of Bihar; Mr. Gyanseshwar Pathak, AGM, RBI;Mr. M M Sinha, Manager, NSIC; Mr. Shivraj Mishra, Zonal Manager, Corporation Bank and Mr. P Venugopal, Addl. General Manager, Canara Bank. The representatives deliberated on the various schemes and incentives/policies for the development of MSMEs in the state.

The participants at MSME Connect forum included representatives from Bihar Mahila Udyog Sangh, BIA, KVIC, Department of Industries besides MSMEs in the state.