The Hindu Business Line : CII unveils agenda for TN

Mr Manikam Ramaswami (left), Chairman, CII Tamil Nadu State Council, and Mr C.K. Ranganathan, Vice- Chairman, at a press conference in Chennai on Monday.

Our Bureau

Chennai, May 12

The Confederation of Indian Industry in Tamil Nadu will focus on skill development, agro business and rural development, healthcare and building inclusive cities, said Mr Manikam Ramaswami, Chairman, CII – TN State Council for 2008-09.

Addressing a press conference, Mr Ramaswami, said that CII’s members account for 38 per cent of the State’s GDP, estimated at about $300 billion on purchasing power parity basis. CII recognises its role in contributing to the industrial development and growth of the State.

Focus areas

Its focus areas for the year not only relate to industrial development, but take into account its social responsibility and recognise the importance of the primary sector as much as the manufacturing sector.

Sustainable approach would be the common factor in CII’s theme of competitiveness, inclusive growth and innovative approach. Agribusiness and supporting agriculture would be among its main focus areas and it hopes to address issues such as mechanisation, post harvest infrastructure, creation of modern marketing yards and information dissemination.

Skill development

In skill development, CII hopes to set up four training centres in Madurai for lift operators and truck drivers; at Tiruchi for welding operators; Coimbatore for machine operators; and at Chennai for construction workers.

These would be in addition to its initiatives in soft skills training for teachers and students, and upgrading the skills of the unskilled to help them get jobs in areas like e-publishing, BPO, healthcare and hospitality industry.

Universal healthcare is a widespread demand in the State and CII plans to initiate novel approaches through public-private partnership.

Mr C.K. Ranganathan, Vice-Chairman, CII-Tamil Nadu, said CII is expanding its presence in the State through new district level offices to enable bringing its support and services closer to the industry members.

With the expanding presence CII would also look at increasing its membership base. It has grown from 560 members in 2001-02 to over 1,037 in 2007-08 and will work towards increasing this number, he added.

More Stories on : Industry Associations | Tamil Nadu | Economy

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page