Activities of Nocci During 2010-11
Activities of NOCCi during 2010-11
IDCO CMD VISITS BALASORE
ShriPriyabrataPatnaik, IAS, CMD, IDCO had come to Balasore on 17th April 2010 for field visit of Plastic Polymers & Allied Cluster under IIUS, promoted by the NOCCi. He visited the proposed land to set up various project components, such as Business Centre, Railway Siding, Truck Parking Hub & Warehouse under IIUS Scheme and Remuna bypass road which is under construction.
ShriPatnaik later chaired a Board Meeting of NOCCi Balasore Infrastructure Company, the SPV for implementation of the IIUS project, at NOCCI-IFC conference hall, Ganeswarpur Industrial Estate, Balasore, which was attended by Shri Manish Verma, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Balasore, amongst senior industry representatives of Balasore. The past & future activities of the Company are reviewed and discussed & approved.
SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY PARK IN BALASORE LIKELY SOON
North Orissa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCi) convened a meeting of prominent industries and IT related units of Balasore on the behest of Government of Orissa IT department for preparation of feasibility report for setting up a software technology park at Balasore.
The State’s Information and Technology Department is pressing the Central Government for setting up an STPI centre at Balasore. Presently, there are three operational STPI centers in the State in Bhubaneswar, Rourkela and Berhampur. Head of the State IT promotion cell, Dr. Ashok K Panda, accompanied by the Additional Director, STPI Bhubaneswar, interacted with prominent industrial entrepreneurs, institutions and establishments dealing with IT education, hardware and software at Balasore in NOCCi conference hall on 28th May 2010.
NOCCi feels that there are ample talent pool and entrepreneurship available in north Orissa & the proposed STPI centre would cater to the needs of the industries & besides creating job opportunities, it would also open export avenues of software and IT services,”
Apart from visiting the DRDO’s ITR (Integrated Test Range) and the FM University VC, the team also had discussions with the district Collector Mr. Manish Verma, and visited some sites for establishment of the centre. Sri S.K.Khetan, Jt. President of Emami Paper Mills, Sri PK Karan, GM (Comm) of Birla Tyres, Sri U.K.Mishra, Sr.GM(Comm), Sri Harish Patel, Jt. Secretary of NOCCi, Sri DebaduttaRath, CEO of ABA Software (a part of the Academy of Business Administration)were present on the occasion amongst others. BCIC President Sri H.K. Das and Bhadrak Small Industries Association President Sri R. K.Agarwal also took part in the discussion.
NOCCi OBJECTS THE PROCEDURAL ERROR IN ENERGY BILLING FOR APRIL2010
NOCCi objected to the erroneous billing system of NESCO in their energy bill for the month of April 2010 and met their CEO in this regard and requested them to rectify the mistake. A memorandum mentioning the errors were also submitted to them.
The billing for the month of April 2010 was in violation to the OERC tariff order and the modified order of “Order (Protocol) on Power Regulation in the state dated 17 April 2010. NESCO has rectified the error subsequently.
DIPP DIRECTOR VISITS BALASORE
ShriShashiRanjan Kumar, IAS, Director, DIPP, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, came to Balasore on 16th June 2010 for review & field visit of Plastic Polymers & Allied Cluster under IIUS. He visited the proposed land for setting up various project components, such as Business Centre, Railway Siding, Truck Parking Hub & Warehouse under IIUS Scheme and Remuna bypass road, which is under construction.
Shri Kumar later chaired a Review Meeting of BPPAC under IIUS at NOCCI-IFC Conference Hall, which was attended by Shri A. S. Das, Head-S&I, PMU, IDCO, Bhubaneswar, ShriA.K. Ghosh, GM, DIC, Balasore, Er. ManasMohanty, Divisional Head, IDCO, Balasore and senior industry representatives of Balasore.Latter Shri SashRanjan Kumar visited Bhubaneswar & met the Secretary, Industries, Sri SauravGarg IAS, accompanied by Mr. Amit Behera.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF NOCCI
The Annual General Meeting was held on 18th June 2010 at NOCCI-IFC Conference Hall, Ganeswarpur Industrial Estate, Balasore. The meeting was presided over by ShriDevashishMahanti,President NOCCi.
ShriMahanti appreciated and thanked all members for their full cooperation and support to NOCCi for obtaining central grant of IIUS project at Balasore in his welcome address. Shri C.P. Bhartia, Hon. Secretary of NOCCi presented last year’s activities and Annual Report.
Elections were held for the executive council of NOCCi for the year 2010-11.
ShriTrailokyaMishra profusely praised the activities of the NOCCi and stressed the need of further publicizing its activities. He suggested press conference to be organized in Bhubaneswar regularly for the same.
AN INTERACTION MEETING WITH ADC
ShriSamarendraSahu, I.A.S. Additional Development Commissioner interacted with Director, MSME-DI, Cuttack, senior official of MSME-DI Cuttack, member representatives from North Orissa Chamber of Commerce & Industry(NOCCi), amongst other Industries Association of the state on 30th June 2010 at MSME DI, Cuttack. ShriSahu asked each members present about their specific issues.
Shri Harish Patel, Jt. Secretary of NOCCi replied about the progress on LMC, Capacity Building and ISO etc. on the queries of ADC. Shri K.L. Rao, Director, MSME-DI explained about NOCCi’s advance status and also praised NOCCi’s activities & involvement. ShriSahu ensured that he would take the matter about capacity building personally at his office once the proposal is being forwarded by the MSME-DI, Cuttack. He also explained about various schemes of central government for the industrial association and requested to avail benefit for the development of SME sector by adopting different schemes.
NOCCi TAKES UP THE PROBLEMS OF NON-ISSUE OF PROVIDENT FUND SLIPS FOR EMPLOYEE & EMPLOYERS OF RAIRANGPUR
NOCCi has sent a representation and request the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner to intervene in the matter for early issue of account slip for harmonious industrial relationship.
The industrial workers of Rairangpur under the jurisdiction of Keonjharhave not been getting account slips from the PF commissioner’s office since last 10 years in spite of filing regular returns and paying PF dues. Several representations by industries to concerned authorities have yielded no results.
The situation have come to the extent that the workmen are not believing the employers and are protesting deduction PF dues from the salary and if forced, they are now threatening to go on strike.
AWARENESSPROGRAM ON SIDBI SCHEMES FOR MSME
NOCCi facilitated an awareness program for entrepreneurs of Balasore, by SIDBI (Small Industries Development of Bank of India) on 26th August 2010 at NOCCi Conference Hall, Balasore on various incentives, benefits and schemes i.e. Credit Linked Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme (CLCISS), Risk Capital Scheme, Assistance for Energy Efficiency Projects under KFW line of Credit and Credit Guarantee Fund Trust (CGFT),for MSME entrepreneurs of North Orissa to explain benefits such as 15% subsidy & loan at @ 9.5%-10.5% etc.
Mr. RameshChand, Dy. General Manager &Mr.A. Chandramouli, Asst. General Manager of SIDBI, Bhubaneswar, made a presentation and responded to their queries. The officials had one-to-one meetings with many entrepreneurs and visited potential units for extending financial support.
NOCCi OBJECTS TO OERC AMENDMENTS OF THE REGULATION FORPAYMENT OF PAST ELECTRICAL DUES
NOCCi had objected to the deletion of the said clause as it will affect the industrial growth as no buyer will come forward to buy the closed units. It also argued that it will encourage inefficiency of the distribution companies as they are liable to take steps at the appropriate time to avoid accumulation of dues. NOCCi has also appealed to the State Govt. to take further steps on the matter in the interest of the industrial growth.
OERC has deleted the Regulation 10 and 13 (10) (b) of existing OERC Distribution (Condition of Supply) Code, 2004 making liable the new owner of the premises to pay past dues including sold by financial institutions after seizing under sec. 29 of the OSFC Act.
SEMINAR ON “E-FILLING OF RETURNS” ON ST, CE & GST
NOCCi organized a seminar on “E-filling of returns related to Service Tax, Central Excise and GST” on 25th October 2010 at NOCCi Conference Hall, Ganeswarpur Industrial Estate, Balasore.
Shri. P.K. Dash, IRS, Commissioner of Central Excise, Customs and Service Tax, Bhubaneswar-1 &Shri G. K.Pati, IRS, Asst Commissioner of Balasore Range attended the seminar and had interaction with the representatives of industries of Balasore. Other officials from the Commissionerate of Central Excise, Customs & Service Tax, Bhubaneswar-1 were also present on the occasion and conducted training on E- Filling on Service Tax, Central Excise. Shri Dash, Commissioner explained and presented a power presentation on GST.
Shri C. P.Bhartia, Hon. Secretary of NOCCi presented the welcome address while Shri P. K. Das, GM (Commerce) of Oripol Industries presented the brief details of the seminar. Shri Harish Patel, Jt. Secretary of NOCCi delivered the vote of thanks.
NOCCi writes TO COMMERCIAL Tax commissioner for dedicated passage way for passenger vehicles at all interstate check gates
All the interstate check gates such as Jamshola, Laxmannath are sometimes turning to be motorists’ nightmare because of long queue of heavy commercial vehicles, often in multiple rows, resulting in serious congestion. As a result, passengers of small vehicles are sometimes subject to several hours of halt. The emergency services such as ambulances are also victims of such congestion. The menace could be reduced to a great extent, if the Commercial Department becomes more sensitive to the convenience of people.
NOCCi has drawn this matter to the notice of the CCT, Orissa asking him to arrange multiple lanes at interstate check pints and make necessary changes in the security arrangement to prevent trucks to block a free way for smaller passenger vehicles.
NOCCI MAKES A PRESENTATION ON ancillary development TO PROMOTE ANDSTRENGTHEN MSME SECTOR IN ORISSA
NOCCi Joint Secretary Shri Harish Patel delivered a presentation on ancillary development at the CIIorganisedAncilEX, a conference on 28th Dec 10 at Jajpur.
Shri T. Ramachandru, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Orissa, Shri M. B. S. Nair, Chairman, CII North Odisha Zonal Council, Shri K N Khatai, Director of Industries, Orissa, Shri P K Mohanty, Collector & District Magistrate of Jajpur and Ms Suparna Nanda, State Head, CII Odisha addressed the gathering.
ONE-DAY SENSITIZATION PROGRAM ON “BAR CODE”
NOCCi organized a one-day Sensitization Program on “BAR CODE”for MSME Entrepreneurs & Prospective Entrepreneurs in association with MSME Development Institute, Cuttack on 15th January 2011 at NOCCI-IFC, Balasore.
Shri P. K. Gupta, Dy. Director and Shri B. B.Panigrahi, Asst Director of MSME Development Institute, Cuttack explained the objectives, benefits and schemes of Bar Code to participants of small & medium units from Balasore &Mayurbhanj who attended the program.
WORKSHOP ON “E-SERVICES” OF COMMERCIAL TAXES
A workshop was organized by NOCCi to educate the dealers about the
‘e-services’ and motivate them to avail these ‘e-services’ on 25/2/2011at NOCCi Conference Hall, Ganeswarpur Industrial Estate, Balasore.
ShriSurendraNath Behera, JCCT, ShriSubratSenapati, DCCT, ShriJanmenjay Jena, ACCT and other senior officers from Commercial Taxes Department of Balasore Range were present in the programme. Shri P. K. Das, G M (Commerce) of Oripol Industries on his welcome address spoke about the necessity of learning of e-service while Officers of Commercial Taxes explained with demo about the procedure of E-Filing, VATIS, E-Payment etc.
Large number of participants from various industries in and around Balasore and tax advocates were present in the workshop
WORKSHOP ON CONFLICT MANAGEMENT & RESOLUTION SKILLS
NOCCi organized a one dayworkshop on Conflict Management & Resolution Skills on 19th February 2011. Corporate Trainer & Educator Dr. AnjanaMaitra, facilitated this program. The objective of the workshop was to learn how to avoid conflict where possible and organizing to resolve conflict where it does happen, as rapidly and smoothly as possible.
Mr. Harish Patel, Jt. Secretary of NOCCi spoke on his introductory address to the members hoping that the program would be of immense help in developing the skills to avoid conflict where necessary and to learn how to resolve the worst situation.
Participants from various industries in Balasore &Baripada attended the workshop.
NOCCI OPPOSES POWER TARIFF HIKE
The North Orissa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) have vehemently opposed the proposed inordinate hike in power tariff by Orissa Regulatory Commission (OERC). The industries body demanded the hike should be immediately rolled back by the State Government. It threatened to file a PIL in the High Court if the Government failed to modify the tariff before April1.
The prices of essential commodities are soaring, the power tariff hike will be an additional burden on the people. The hike is a life –threatening situation for the Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which depend on electricity distribution companies (discoms).
The OERC has, over the last 14 months hiked the industrial power tariff twice. The cumulative hike comes to over 58 per cent over the base rate of Rs.3/- per unit. The OERC has not paid any attention of the objections raised by the industry associations and other objectors to the ruinous effects of a hike in the power tariff. It has forced the industrial consumers to bear a greater burden of subsidizing other sectors.
Expressing concern over the transmission and distribution(T&D) loss which now hovers around 50 percent, the discoms are supposed to bring it down which, however, has not ben achieved despite of regular monitoring by the OERC.
NOCCi FORCES TO STOP ILLEGAL POWER-CUT IN BALSORE
NESCO has been resorting to load restriction of 1 hour in its supply area for over a year now. Few months back we faced even more restrictions in Balasore area. The NESCO explained to us that the power cut was due to SLDC load restriction. It has stopped the illegal power cut in Balasore after NOCCi represented the matter to the Secretary, Energy Govt. of Orissa to ensure uninterrupted supply of power. Earlier in an open house meeting organized by the CII, in Mayfair Convention Centre, Bhubaneswar on 8th March 2011, the Energy Secretary had clarified that absolutely there was no power shortage in the state, and there is no load restriction or official instruction by neither the government nor the OERC for any load restriction or power cut.
1 / North Orissa Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Balasore, Orissa