UUddyyaammii BBaannggllaa

MSME-Development Institute Kolkata

2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 From the Desk of Director In-Charge:

Shuva Vijaya!! Hope all our friends have enjoyed the well with families and near ones and are safe and healthy. With the onset of this festive season, life is again rolling back to new- normalcy. The active Covid cases, which crossed a million in mid- September have come down to 5 lakhs. Discussions are going on to open up railways for passenger transport. Opening of Schools are also under consideration.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 27th of October said the growth rate of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) might be “near zero” this fiscal year. However, with signs of economic revival, might well be one of the fastest-growing large economies in the next fiscal year, she said, while addressing an international business forum. Sitharaman’s comments come at a time when the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected India’s GDP to contract 10.3 per cent this fiscal year, revised from its forecast of a 4.5 per cent decline in June. However, the IMF expects India’s growth to overtake China’s next year because it (India) is predicted to expand 8.8 per cent, while the latter is expected to see 8.2 per cent growth. The finance minister also pinned hopes on the festive season to drive India’s revival. “Indicators show that primary sectors, related sectors of agriculture and rural India, are all doing very well. As a result, the consumption of durable goods, agricultural equipment and vehicles -- all are going up. The festive season has commenced in India. As a result of this, I expect demand to grow and could be sustainable,” she said. Measures have been taken to Stimulate Consumer Spending through LTC Cash Voucher Scheme and Special Festival Advance Scheme for Central Government employees. It is expected that by the end of this fiscal, the Indian economy will again return to the growth path.

With this hope in mind, I wish a very happy Diwali to all our friends. Let the light eradicate the darkness!

Krishnadas Bhattacharya

Content A. Director’s Message 03 B. Editorial 04 C. AV Space 05 D. CHAMPIONS Success Story 07 E. From the Districts 09 F. Focus District – Darjeeling & Kalimpong 12 G. News & Views 26 H. Special Feature 29 I. Igniting Ideas 35

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 Editorial:

With the pandemic outbreak and resultant economic fallout, employees from MSMEs are becoming anxious and stressed about job security and the safety of the organisation. During such situations, employers who show empathy to their employees would be the ones which any employees would prefer in an upbeat market. There were times when candidates were choosing employers basis the compensation offered, but going forward job security in times of economic meltdown would be considered

Moving ahead, ‘cost optimisation’ and ‘rationalisation’ would be the keywords reverberating across organisations. The direct impact of the outbreak will fall on Productivity. – an activity which used to be an annual exercise would evolve into a quarterly exercise wherein bottom performers and outliers would be informed to improve their deliverables. The future people managers are the one who can manage a remote workforce and engage them remotely, and this calls for leading by example the most.

The coronavirus outbreak has reigned in a new set of challenges for the entire business ecosystem. Navigating through such a crisis requires businesses to respond quickly to the evolving landscape to maintain continuity and ensure seamless operations. While the immediate future may seem uncertain, there seems to be much to look forward to in due course as the pandemic shapes a new way of thinking. We, as a part of this ecosystem, are gradually gripping over our schemes and policies with their neo normal contributions .

Reaching you as fast as we can through digital mode, acting fast through Champions, Refurbishing EDCs, Inviting all to furnish authenticated data and participating in Cluster activities are our prime concern.

We are very close to complete our 2nd year journey and we are infusing some new features in this Newsletter. Explore this and send your feedback. Hope we can present a new look E newsletter for you in our next Bi-Annual issue.

Wish you all a very Enlightened Deepavali.

Debabrata Mitra

Editor : Sri Debabrata Mitra, Deputy Director (G&C) Sub Editor : Sri Chitresh Biswas, Asstt. Director (Stat)

Cover : Meeting with Industry Association by Sh. Vinamra Mishra Back Cover : Integrity Pledge at MSME-DI, Kolkata

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020

AV SPACE

Ujjale in Ummedon ke – Brightness of Hope! Ministry of MSME launched an AV campaign to promote several cottage and handicrafts industry in the wake of Diwali in the nation. The campaign includes pottery, bamboo craft, khadi etc.

Click on the glitter to view the twitter videos.

Fragrance and flavour industry in India India has always been a land of olfactory indulgence, where aromatherapy, incense and ittar have existed since ancient times, where essential oil perfume were a part of the ancient royal lore. The earliest scents used were the healing scents introduced through Ayurveda, which recommended the use of aromatic herbs and fragrant plants for mental well-being, beauty, treatment of ailments, hygiene and age-control which are well known even today.

This traditional fragrance industry in India has seen vast changes in the recent years with the introduction of technology and wider usage. The Indian fragrance industry is one of the largest in terms of production, consumption and at present, the fragrance market is set to grow and offer innumerable opportunities for new entrants to grow in this market.

India being the leading country in the world with rich diversity in flora and fauna with its 15 Geo- climatic zone. India can produce organic fragrant raw materials which have great demand in the world. Considering its close linkages with grass-root economics, it can reboot Indian economy from ground level.

Global fragrance & flavour industry is worth $24.10 Billion and India contributes approximately $500 million. However, growth rate in India is approximately 11% in the last few years but is projected to grow exponentially in the upcoming years due to rising personal care, brand awareness, increasing disposable income, growing demand in middle class people and affordable price of fragrance in the form of mass perfumes & deodorants.

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 India-Korea Technology Exchange Centre On 10 July, 2018, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) Micro Small & Medium Enterprises, Mr Giriraj Singh and Minister of SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) and Start-ups of the Republic of Korea, Mr Hong Jong- haak inaugurated an India-Korea Technology Exchange Centre in New . The establishment of the Centre is a step towards bolstering bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the Micro, Medium and Small Enterprises (MSME) sector. According to a press statement released by the Indian Ministry of Micro Small & Medium Enterprises, Mr. Giriraj Singh said that the purpose of the Technology Exchange Centre is to build a platform for and provide assistance to the micro, small and medium enterprises of India and Korea where they will be able to identify and exchange the latest technologies, share management expertise and technology applications for product development.

To encourage and promote co-operation in capacity building for developing policy and institutional framework for the development of MSMEs in both countries on mutually agreed terms and to facilitate technology transfers on demand and on mutually agreed terms for realization of industrial partnerships between MSMEs of both countries; National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) of India, a premier public sector organisation engaged in promoting, assisting and fostering the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in India & Small & medium Business Corporation hereinafter called (SBC), a Korean government agency joined hands.

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Mjunction: Mjunction Services Limited is a 50:50 joint venture of two Indian steel conglomerates – the Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) and Tata Steel. It started operating in 2001 and was initially called metaljunction.com. Headquartered in Kolkata, , it primarily facilitated the online sale of steel. Subsequently, it moved into new areas of business and now offers e- selling, e-sourcing, e-finance, e-retail and knowledge services across diverse industry verticals.

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Govt looks to scale up MSME exports: Hon’ble Minister Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri Nitin Gadkari said the Centre has set a target of adding 50 million jobs for micro, small and medium enterprises.

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020

CHAMPIONS’ SUCCESS STORY

M/s Andaman Bottling Company, Port Blair, A&N Islands Description of Grievance M/s Andaman Bottling Company, Port Blair is a franchise of Bisleri and is in the production of Package drinking water. The unit made grievance on 10.06.2020 on via champions portal on expediting the financial assistance under Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS). Support provided The officer in charge of A&N Champions Control Room had a telephonic conversation with Shri Taufeeq Rehman on the grievance and the entrepreneur himself visited this office 12.06.2020 to apprise on the issue. Accordingly email communication and hard copy was sent on 12.06.2020 to Canara Bank, Port Blair and Lead District Manager, Port Blair with a request to look into the matter and expedite the same. Remarks (Tangible Benefits/ Customer remarks) M/s Andaman Bottling Company received the financial assistance on 29.07.2020 of 20% amounting to Rs 28, 00, 000/- (Rupees Twenty-Eight Lakh Only) which the unit is eligible under the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS). As some documents were pending from the MSME Unit to be submitted to the bank, this grievance took little longer to be settled.

M/s A M Enterprise/ Shri Avijit Mondal, Kolkata Description of Grievance Grievance No WB00040006 dated 17.10.20 wherein Shri Avijit Mondal has applied for UDYAM registration on dated 05.09.2020 but he could not able to download this Udyam certificate or no intimation was received from the portal. Support provided Avijit Mondal was contacted over telephone to complete the formality for getting the certificated downloaded. Downloaded Udyam Registration Certificate bearing No. UDYAM – WB – 07 - 0000470 was forwarded to official mail of the entrepreneur. Remarks (Tangible Benefits/ Customer remarks) Thanks for your prompt response against my Grievance No. WB00040006. My issue stands shorted out. After an initial delay of a month I got quick response and attention to my issue of non issuance of UDYAM CERTIFICATE. I have been guided satisfactorily this morning.

M/s Goenka Jewellers / Shri Arpan Goenka, Kolkata Description of Grievance M/s Goenka Jewellers having the UAM No. WB10A0011909, located at 3, Mitra Lane, beside Mahajati Sadan, Kolkata – 700007, lodged a complaint in the MSME Champions Portal vide the Grievance No. WB00021212 dated 23rd May, 2020. Brief description of grievances on two issues is as under: 1. With regard to their participation in the Jaipur Jewllery Show exhibiton at Jaipur, although the unit has applied in the month of December under PMS scheme and filled the form at my.msme.gov.in, no reply has yet been received by the unit; 2. Delay in getting result with regard to their application under MSE-CDP schemes. Support provided This Institute replied to the above grievance of the unit on 29th May, 2020 for redressal of their grievances on the above two issues. In the meantime, the above grievances of the unit have been satisfactorily mitigated by MSME DI, Kolkata through discussion with the entrepreneur during a meeting held at this Institute on 01.06.2020.

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020

Remarks (Tangible Benefits/ Customer remarks) We have complained in champion website regarding CDP MSE formation taking long time but after meeting director of Kolkata DI MSME Shree K. D. Bhattacharya, he resolved all our issue and explains us properly. We really appreciate it. Earlier also we have met director of Kolkata and other states, but we really feel he is the best. And I personally Mr. Arpan Goenka take him as my mentor.

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020

FROM THE DISTRICT

Darjeeling Webinar on Public Procurement through Government e Market Place (GeM) A Webinar on Public Procurement through Government e Market Place (GeM) for the benefit of MSMEs organised by Br.MSME-DI, Siliguri on 19th August 2020, Wednesday at 3.00 PM on Cisco Webex Online Meeting Platform in association with Siliguri Industrial Estate Development Association(SIEDA) & Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry, North Bengal (FOCIN) . In the meeting in the first part around 25 participants were present initially which was increased to 38 from Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Kolkata other districts of West Bengal. The host of the webinar was Mr.T.K.Banerjee, Assistant Director, Br.MSME-DI, Siliguri. Mr. Banerjee welcome all the online Guests, dignitaries, MSMEs in the webinar Shri. Pradip Kumar Das, Deputy Director In charge, Br.MSME-DI, Siliguri described the objective of this webinar on Public Procurement through Government e Market Place (GeM) and told that GeM is the best portal as it allows transaction with transparency and is making the system corruption free as well as scope of this initiative of Government of India is massive as this is the largest e-commerce portal for procurement for buyers. GeM is a strong pillar in Prime Minister's dream of Digital India.” Shri. Biswajit Das, Honorary General Secretary, FOCIN addressed the webinar and focussed on the benefits of this webinar. Mr.Utpal Sarkar, Honorary General Secretary, SIEDA also shown his desire for organising this type of Webinar frequently for the benefit of MSMEs spread around north Bengal during COVID-19 pendamic and he was very keen to have an awareness programme on GeM to be conducted physically at Siliguri after the COVID is over. The main faculty/Speaker of the webinar was Shri. Biswajit Sarkar, GeM Facilitator and Master Trainer, West Bengal who joined from Kolkata. In the technical session, Shri. Sarkar delivered a comprehensive presentation on Government e Market Place (GeM) covering almost all aspects of it in English as well as in Hindi and Bengali so that the MSMEs get the maximum benefit out of it. There was also an interactive session just after technical session in which many MSMEs took part actively. Mr.S.K.Jain, a senior expert from GeM conducted this interactive session and replied all the queries of participants in the Webinar. The programme was closed by vote of thanks to all MSMEs in the webinar and especially to Shri. Biswajit Sarkar, for his excellent presentation from Kolkata, Shri. Biswajit Das, Honorary General Secretary, FOCIN, Mr. Utpal Sarkar, Honorary General Secretary, SIEDA for his presence and Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Deputy Director In charge, Br. MSME-DI, Siliguri who joined from Kolkata and it is his inspiration which only made this webinar possible and successful.

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 Kolkata Webinar on Atmanirbhar Bharat Scheme and Udyam Registration One day webinar on Atmanirbhar Bharat Scheme and Udyam Registration was conducted by Bengal National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BNCCI), Kolkata on 21.10.2020 from 2.30 pm to 4 pm. There were 40 participants attended in this webinar from various parts of this State. Dr. Arpan Mitra, President, BNCCI, Kolkata welcomed all the participants, dignitaries and speaker at the beginning of the webinar. Shri K.D. Bhattacharya, Director I/c, MSME-DI, Kolkata delivered key note address. Shri D. Mitra, Dy. Director, MSME-DI, Kolkata delivered Power Point Presentation on Atmanirbhar Bharat Scheme and Udyam Registration Schemes. Shri Samir Ghosh and Shri G.P. Sarkar, Passed Presidents of BNCCI, Kolkata interacted with the speakers in the interaction session. Shri D. Mitra, Dy. Director and Sri S. Mukhopadhyay, Asstt. Director and Shri Tapas Roy, Investigator, MSME- DI, Kolkata replied various questions from the audience. The webinar ended with vote of thanks proposed by Shri Amit Sarkar from BNCCI, Kolkata.

Observance of Vigilance Awareness week-2020 at MSME-DI, Kolkata As per the directives of CVC vide Circular No. 09/09/2020 dated 08.09.2020, the Vigilance Awareness Week-2020 with the theme “Vigilant India, Prosperous India” was observed in MSME-Development Institute, Kolkata from 27th October 2020 to 02nd November 2020. The theme of the Vigilance Awareness Week 2020, in particular was highlighted.

Inaugural Function and Pledge:

The inauguration of the Vigilance Awareness Week – 2020 was chaired by Shri K D Bhattacharya, Director In-Charge, MSME-DI, Kolkata on 17th October 2020 at 11.00 am. Mr. Bhattacharya informed the importance of the “Vigilant India, Prosperous India” to all the participants followed by Integrity Pledge at office Conference Hall. Shri Debabrata Mitra, Deputy Director and designated vigilance officer also deliberated in the function. Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Deputy Director & all officers and Staff were present in the function and took pledge.

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 Display of Banners, Standees & Posters: In order to create awareness and to sensitize the work force of MSME-DI, Kolkata on the need and importance of ‘Vigilance’ in the organization in particular and public in general, poster in different languages were displayed at prime locations at the Office premises.

Publicity for Mass Integrity Pledge: Publicity was made through MSME- Champions WhatsApp group and official Facebook page for Mass awareness. Bulk WhatsApp message forwarded to create awareness and to encourage citizens to take E‐Pledge. Some of the officers took part in e-pledge and received certificate. Slogans:

On 02.11.2020 slogans invited from officers and public in general during the Vigilance Awareness Week-2020 with the theme “Vigilant India, Prosperous India”.

Visitor Awareness:

Awareness created to all visitors during the Vigilance Awareness Week-2020 from 27th October 2020 to 02nd November 2020.

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020

FOCUS DISTRICT – DARJEELING & KALIMPONG

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky” – Rabindranath Tagore Jaw-dropping locales, mesmerising sunrises, the untouched beauty of the hills, the old-world charm of the past, and the welcoming smiles of the local people all add up to make Darjeeling one of the most beautiful hill stations in Eastern part of India – the ‘Queen of Himalaya’. Spread over a steep mountain ridge, nestled amidst acres of lush green tea plantations, Darjeeling stands at the height of 2,050 meters above sea level, thus boasting of cool climes all year round. Introduction: The District Darjiling lies in the northernmost part of the State of West Bengal having the shape of an irregular triangle. Geographically, the northern portion of the district is a part of the Great Himalayas which is at the height of 300 to 12000 feet from the mean sea level and in the southern portion lies in the Tarai region stretching along the base of the hills. The district is famous for its hill station Darjeeling tea. Darjeeling is the district headquarters. Kurseong, Siliguri and Mirik, three other major towns in the district, are the subdivisional headquarters of the district. Kalimpong was one of the subdivisions but on 14 February 2017, it officially became a separate Kalimpong district. The district of Kalimpong consists of 3 CD Blocks, namely, Kalimpong-I, Kalimpong-II and Gorubathan.

Brief History of Darjeeling & Kalimpong:

Historically, the hilly areas under Darjiling district were inhabited by the Lepchas, Limbus, Bhutias, Tibetans and various Nepalese castes and tribes since ancient time. On the other hand, the Plains, covered by thick forest, were populated by indigenous tribal groups like Meche, Koch, Rajbangshi, Dhimal and others mainly living upon nomadic cultivation and Jhoom cultivation. (Ref. District Gazetteers, Darjeeling, 1907 Edition, Author - LSS O’Malley, ICS, Superintendent of Census) There are several versions of the origin of the name Darjiling (also spelt as Darjeeling). As per one version, the name ‘Darjiling’ came from two Tibetan words, ‘dorje’ meaning thunderbolt (originally the scepter of Indra/Bajra) and ‘ling’ a place or land, hence ‘the land of the thunderbolt’. Alternatively, it is named after an old Tibetan Monastery originally situated at the Observatory Hill of Darjiling Town. In the modern era, during late seventeenth Century, 1670 to be specific, part of the Darjiling came under the dominion of the King of Sikkim, with the Kalimpong area being under the Bhutanese dominion. From 1780, there were recurrent conflicts between the King of Sikkim and the Gurkhas of Nepal in the western part of the present day Darjiling.

In the year 1790, the Gurkhas captured the area in the district up to the river Tista. The British rulers, in the form of East India Company got finally engaged in the fight with the Nepalese

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 army throughout the entire northern boundary from early nineteenth Century and the Gorkha War, or the Anglo-Nepalese War, broke out between the Kingdom of Nepal and the British East India Company from 1814 to1816, with the British becoming victorious. By the ‘Treaty of Sugauli’ in 1816 and the ‘Treaty of Titalya’ in 1817 signed between the two, the hilly areas of Darjiling along with present day Sikkim retained under British territory as a ‘Buffer State’ between the Kingdoms of Nepal and Bhutan.

It was in the year 1829, Darjiling has been referred to as a position of great strategically importance by the Britishers and was “well adapted for the purpose of a sanitarium” due to its natural beauty by the British invaders. After recurrent persuasions by the British rulers like Lord William Bentinck and others with the King of Sikkim, by a commendably short deed of grant from the King the area was included under British dominion on 1st February, 1835 stating: “out of friendship for the said Governor-General, hereby present Darjiling to the East India Company”. Although this is commonly referred to as an unconditional cession of Darjiling to the British, in 1841, the ruler of Sikkim was granted an allowance of Rs. 3000/- as an annual compensation from the East India Company, which was later raised to Rs. 6000/- per annum in 1846. (quoted from DistrictGazetteers, Darjeeling, 1907 Edition, Author LSS O’Malley, ICS, Superintendent of Census) Upon ascertaining the nature and climatic status of the area through surveys following the Deed, in 1837 Darjiling was officially decided to be developed as a “sanitarium” by the British. As a result, road network in Darjiling started developing in 1840 from the PankhaBori area besides building up of bungalows and private houses as many more localities started emerging. Between 1839 and 1852, the district Darjiling had a definitive civil, criminal and fiscal administration under the British and special encouragement and grants were given to the settlers of the area by developing the land from the virgin forest and cultivations in the mountain slopes. Many schools and welfare centres were opened. From 1839 to 1849, population increased from 100 to 10,000 mainly by immigrants from neighbouring areas of Sikkim, Bhutan and Nepal. However, by the end of 1850, the relationship with the King of Sikkim worsen and as a result the allowances to the King was stopped and the areas under the Tarai region up to the river Teesta to the east was confiscated by the British, and with this, the areas of the plains in the present day Darjiling district came directly under British rules and administratively, started being controlled by the Superintendent of Darjiling. The fertile Tarai region soon became an economically productive region for the British mainly owing to the growing Tea cultivation and Cinchona plantation. Subsequently, by 1861, the Britishers expanded their territory further towards north depending upon their Army base at Darjiling area. By 1866, consequent to the Anglo-Bhutan war the entire Bhutan Dooars area came under British control, thereby adding present day Kalimpong area under Darjiling District. During the decade of 1860-1870, major infrastructural developments were made by the British, many new roads were built, foundation of famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railways were built up, Kurseong, Kalimpong and areas under Tarai region were connected through well- built road network with the Darjiling Town, Tea and Cinchona cultivation flourished. Remarkably, to deal with the large scale deforestation resulting out of expansion of cash crop cultivation, Conservator of forests was appointed during the decade. Post 1870s, Darjiling experienced a steady but uneventful growth pattern and upto 1901 there were only two towns in the district, namely, Darjiling Municipality which was formed in 1850 and Kurseong. Darjiling town continued to grow as a favourite tourist destination being named as ‘Queen of Hills’.

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 During the World War II, due to mass recruitment of Gurkha soldiers in the British Gurkha Regiment and the Town being utilised by Britishers as a Sanitarium, the Darjiling town witnessed flourishing economic activity. By the advent of Indian Freedom Struggle, Darjiling Town played a very crucial role. People of Darjiling were actively involved in ‘Non Co-operation Movement’. There were many close associates of from this area and Gandhiji himself visited the town in 1925. During the third decade twentieth century, in May, 1934, to be specific, freedom fighters Bhawani Bhattacharya and Rabindranath Banerjee made an attempt to assassin Sir John Anderson, the then Governor of Bengal at the Darjiling. This attempt, although failed, created a ripple among the British Rulers and ultimately, Bhawani Bhattacharya was sentenced to death while the other spent the rest of his life in prison. During the formation of Fauz and the formation of , the Gurkhas and other denizens of Darjiling shaped a very significant part of the force. Among the numerous freedom fighters from the district, the names of the legendary persons like Helen Lepcha, Gaga Tshering Dukpa, Mitra Sen Thapa, Major Durga Malla, Bahadur Giri, Chabilal Upadhyay, Captain Dal Bahadur Thapa, Jungbir Sapkota, Ram Singh Thakuri, Krishna Bahadur Mukhia and Pushpa Kumar Ghising can be mentioned. The contributions of several others to the Freedom Struggle are, however, cannot remain unnoticed despite scanty population and remoteness of location from major locations of conflict. After independence, the Darjiling district was formed in 1947 having jurisdictional features almost similar to the modern day formation. Siliguri Municipal Corporation (partly spread over district Jalpaiguri) gained its importance functioning as the Gateway to the North Eastern States including Assam and Sikkim. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway granted World Heritage status by UNESCO in the year 1999.

General Characteristics of the District: The district of Darjeeling is the northern most district of the State of West Bengal. Lying on the foot hills of the Himalayas, the district is the gateway to the State of Sikkim and the bordering countries of Bhutan and Nepal.

The very name Darjeeling rekindles memories of a picturesque hill station, nestled among the majestic Himalayan peaks. The Darjeeling town provides a splendid view of the towering Kanchanjunga. Over the years Darjeeling has attracted tourists from all parts of the country and outside and has come to be known as the “Queen of the Hills”.

Originally a Gorkha station, the place began to be frequented by domiciled British Officers since the early 19th Century. By the year 1835, Darjeeling gained the status of a British sanatorium after the Maharaja of Sikkim offered it to Governor General Lord Bentinck as a token of friendship. The town is situated at an altitude of 2134m. above the sea level. According to local inhabitants, the name ‘Darjeeling’ indicates abode of the thunder bolt. The name owes its origin to a monastery on Observatory Hill, a major tourist attraction at present. However, the district comprises of plains as well as hills, with the latter being the dominant geographical entity.

Location & Geographical Area. Darjeeling district is bounded on the north by the State of Sikkim, on the south by Uttar Dinajpur district of west Bengal; on the east by Bhutan and on the west by Nepal. Geographically the district is situated between 2631’ and 2713’ N latitude and between 8759’ and 8853’E longitude. The district covers an area of 3149 sq.km (Year-2011)

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 Topography Soil characteristics of Darjeeling district

Region Name of the soil Character Structure Plains ENTI soil Recent alluvial Yet to be formed properly. Has no alluvial Apedal (neither granular nor angular) horizon. Loamy sand is predominant. Hill INCEPTI soil In situ, inception has just begun. Alluvial horizon has begun to Angular / sub-angular blocky. take shape. Sandy loam is predominant.

The ENTI soil in plains is generally of the light medium type. Due to lightness, ground water levels dip appreciably during summer. So water logging is not a serious problem, as the soil permits high percolation and infiltration.

Soil for the district as a whole, ranges from well-drained to moderately well-drained type. In places it is acidic in nature with the PH value ranging between 5 – 6. Neutral soil is very difficult to come across.

River: Mahananda, Teesta, Mechi, Greater Rangil, Jaldhaka and Balasan are the major rivers draining the district. Tributaries of Teesta namely Ghis, Lish, Mauza, Taipu, Lachka, etc. flow through the district in different ways. All the major rivers originate from the Himalayas and are perennial in nature, being fed by the melting snow of the glaciers. Due to shallow beds, they become turbulent during the monsoons, after heavy precipitation in catchment areas.

Availability of Minerals.

PRODUCTION OF MINERAL 2010-11

S.NO. NAME OF MINERAL PRODUCTION in tones 2010-2011 MAJOR MINERAL 1. Nil - MINOR MINERAL 1. Sand 19,13,111.75 2. Stone 10,41,403.425 3. Gravels 2,452.25

SOURCE:- Directorate of Mines & Minerals, Govt. of W.B FOREST Forest is another important resource for economic development. The area under forest is 124575 hectares which is 38.28 percent of the total area of the district. The forests are distributed over Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong sub-Divisions. Forests of Darjeeling can be classified into the plain forest on the foothill and the hill forest. The sal trees are the most important type of trees grown in the plain forest. The hill forests may further be divided into three groups viz. lower, middle and upper hill forests. The lower hill forests grow upto an altitude of 3000 ft. high, the middle hill forests from 3000 ft. to 6000 ft. high and the upper hill forests from 6000 ft. to 9000 ft. high. In the lower hill forests besides sal, other varieties include champa, gokul, gawarikodan, pipe tewra, bamboo, etc. are grown. The middle hill forests grow certain prominent species like tun, dhupi, utish, etc. and mainly pine is grown on the upper hill forests.

Forest Department has undertaken a programme for plantation of fast growing plants like powlonia, poplar, etc. at Sukhna, Takda, ButtaBori, etc. These trees mature within 10 years and can be used in industry mainly in paper mill.

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 Apart from these, the district is rich in minor forest resources. The main minor forest resources are amliso grass, citronella grass, sal leaves, sal seeds, boira seeds, amloki, horitoki, dhupi leaves, furn, rubia-cardifolia, totala fruits, black pepper, honey, til seed, turmeric, simul seed, etc. Amliso grass can be used for making brooms and cattle fodder, totala fruits are used for decoration purpose. Some of these resources are used by Forest Department in their own factory and produce citronella oil, sal dhup, turmeric power, etc.

The district is also rich in medicinal plants. A number of medicinal plants grow in various forests of the district. This resource meets the raw material requirement of pharmaceutical and ayurvedic units established even outside the district. In the district, some ayurvedic medicine units may set up based on this resource.

Rainfall: During 2016, the district received total rainfall of 3525 mm with heaviest rainfall of 1070 mm during the month of July.

Temperature : Maximum & minimum temperatures in the district hover around 22C to 24C during the summer months and around 4C to 0C during the winter months

Administrative set up.

C.D.Block / Panchayat Sub-Division Police Station MC / M Samity Gram Gram Sansad (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Sadar Sub-Div. 6 3/0/1 3 50 546 Sadar Darjeeling(M) - - - Lodhoma Darjeeling- 1 23 241 Pulbazar Pulbazar Sukhiapokhri Sukhiapokhri- 1 16 198 Jorebunglow Jorebunglow Rangli Rangliot Rangli Rangliot 1 11 107 Kalimpong Sub-Div.* 3 3/0/1 3 42 297 Kalimpong(M) - - - Kalimpong Kalimpong-I 1 18 114 Kalimpong-II 1 13 92 Gorubathan & Gorubathan 1 11 91 Jaldhaka Kurseong Sub-Div. 2 2/0/2 2 20 198 Kurseong(M) - - - Kurseong Kurseong 1 14 123 Mirik(M) - - - Mirik Mirik 1 6 75 Siliguri Sub-Div. 09 4/1/0 4 22 462 NaxalBori KhariBori NaxalBori KhariBori 1 5 121 Phansidewa Phansidewa 1 6 79 Matigara Matigara 1 4 139 1 7 123 Pradhan Nagar Siliguri Municipal -

Bagdogra Corporation and under - Siliguri Commissionerate - Siliguri women Office, Siliguri - Bhaktinagar -

District Total - 4 20 12/1/3 12 134 1503 Note : There are 47 wards in Siliguri M.C of which 33 No. of wards belong to Darjeeling district and other 14 No. of wards belong to Jalpaiguri district

* Kalimpong has been separated from Darjeeling and it is a new district now. But separate data is not available.

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 District at a Glance:

S.No Particular Year Unit Statistics 1 Geographical features (A) Geographical Data i) Latitude 2631’ - 2713’ N ii) Longitude 8759’ - 8853’ E iii) Geographical Area 2011 Sq,Km. 3149 (B) Administrative Units i) Sub divisions 2014 Nos. 4 ii) Police Stations 2016 Nos. 21 iii) Municipal Corporations 2016 Nos. 1 iv) Municipalities 2016 Nos. 3 v) Blocks 2016 Nos. 12 vi)Panchayat Samities 2016 Nos. 12 vii) Nagar Palika 2016 Nos. 4 viii) Gram Panchayats 2016 Nos. 134 xi) Gram Sansad 2016 Nos. 1503 x) Assembly Constituency 2016 Nos. 6 xi)Parliamentary Constituency 2016 Nos. 1 xii)Total mouzas 2001 Nos. 708 2. Population Total 2011 Nos. 1846823 (A) Sex-wise i) Male 2011 Nos. 937259 ii) Female 909564 (B) i)Rural Population 1118860 ii)Urban Population 727963 iii)% of Rural Population to total population % 60.58 (C) Population density(per km square) 2011 Nos. 586 Inhabited villages 2011 Nos. 616 (D) % of total Population

i) Male 2011 % 50.75

ii) Female 49.25

iii)Rural Population 60.58

iv)Urban Population 39.42

(E) Literacy Rate: i)District total rate 2011 % 79.56 ii)Male Literacy rate 85.61 iii)Female Literacy rate 73.33 iv)Rural Literacy rate 74.27 v)Urban Literacy rate 87.48 3 Workers : i) Total workers 2011 Nos. 683726 ii)Main workers 2011 Nos. 532855 iii)Marginal workers 2011 Nos. 150871 4 Class of Total Workers : Cultivators 2011 Nos. 76178 Agricultural Labour 2011 Nos. 66041 Household Industrial workers 2011 Nos. 16579 Other workers 2011 Nos. 524928 5 % to Total Workers Main workers 2011 Nos. 28.85 Marginal workers 2011 Nos. 8.17 Cultivable workers 2011 Nos. 11.14 Agricultural labour 2011 Nos. 9.66 Household Industrial workers 2011 Nos. 2.43 Other workers 2011 Nos. 76.77

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 6. Agriculture A. Land utilization i) Total reported Area 2015-16 Th. Hectare 325.47 ii) Forest area 2015-16 “ 124.58 iii) Area under Non Agricultural use 2015-16 “ 41.04 v) Barren uncultivable land 2015-16 “ 2.53 vi) Permanent pasture and other grazing land 2015-16 Th. Hectare 0.51 vii) Land under misc. trees/groves not included in net area 2015-16 “ 3.23 sown viii) Cultivable waste land 2015-16 “ 1.31 ix) Current fallow 2015-16 “ 14.9 x) Net area sown 2015-16 “ 134.85 B Principal Crops, Fibres 2015-16 Tea, Rice, Jute C Major fruits 2015-16 Mandarin Orange, Pineapple, banana, guava, jack fruits and other Citrus fruits D Major Vegetables 2015-16 Cabbage, Cauliflower Cucurbits, Brinjal, Radish & Tomato E Major flowers 2015-16 Gladiolus, Chrysanthemum, Rose, Marigold F Agricultural Area and Production Year 2015-16 Area Production ( in Thousand Tonnes) (in Th. Hectares) Rice 32.6 77 Maize 17.3 44.3 Other Cereals 10.1 11.3 Total Cereals 62.8 136.9 Pulses 2.2 1.8 Oilseeds 1 0.5 Jute 3.0 34.7 (in thousand bales of 180 kg each) Potato 7.6 119.2 G Tea 2015-16 i) No. of Tea gardens 87 ii) Total land under cultivation Hectares 10299.23 iii) No. of persons employed Nos. 29777 iv) Production Thousand Kg. 4670.62 (Production figures for 47 tea gardens) 7. Forest A (i) Forest 2015-16 Th. Hectare 124.58 B Forest Produce (a)Timber 2015-16 Th. Cubic Mtr. 5216.42 (b)Fuel 2015-16 Th. Cubic Mtr. 4691.5 © Pole 2015-16 Nos. - 8. Livestock & Poultry A Total Cattle 2012 Nos. 225752 i) Cows (cattle ) “ Nos. 92806 ii) Buffaloes “ Nos. 2938 B Other livestock i) Goats 2012 Nos. 182733 ii) Pigs “ Nos. 49807 iii) Sheep “ Nos. 2278 9. Railways i) Length of rail line 2010-11 Kms 111 10. Roads (a) National Highway 2010-11 Kms 111 (b) State Highway 2010-11 Kms 191 © Main District Highway 2010-11 Kms 79 i).Surfaced Roads 2013-14 Kms 3695.54 ii)Unsurfaced Roads 2013-14 Kms 1652.51

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 11. Length of Roads maintained by i)PWD 2015-16 Kms 649.63 ii)DGAHC/GTA “ Kms 1584.15 iii)Sililguri Mahakuma Parishad “ Kms 812.02 iv)PM Gram Sadak Yojana “ Kms 1418.37 12. Communication Post offices 2016 Nos. 223 13. Public Health i)Hospitals 2016 Nos. 8 ii)Rural Hospitals “ Nos. 9 iii)Total beds in Hospitals “ Nos. 5631 iv)Other Hospitals(State Govt./Central Govt./Local Bodies “ Nos. 13 v)Block Primary Health Centres “ Nos. 3 vi)Primary Health Centres “ Nos. 22 vii)Private Hospitals/Nursing Homes/NGOs “ Nos. 69 14 Banking commercial (a) Commercial Bank branches 2016 Nos. 244 (b) % of Bank advances to deposits 2016 % 45.02 © Co-Operative Societies 2016 Nos. 1042 15 Education (a) Primary school 2015-16 Nos. 1893 (b) Middle schools “ Nos. 83 © High School “ Nos. 142 (d) Higher Secondary schools “ 113 (e) General Degree Colleges “ Nos. 20 (f) Technical Schools and colleges “ Nos. 26 (g) General University “ 1 (h) Open University “ 3 16 Sources of Irrigation and Area irrigated-2015-16 Source of Irrigation Nos. Area Irrigated(th.hectares) Govt. Canal - 1.48 High capacity Deep Tubewell - - Shallow Tubewell - - Open Dug Well - - Others 36 0.61 Percentage of Irrigated area to Cultivated area % 0.57 17 Warehouses- 2015-16 a)Number 01 b)Capacity(MT) 13816

Source:- District Statistical Handbook of BAES & Economic Review,2016,Govt.of W.B Source:- WBSIDC & WBIIDC

INDUSTRIAL SCENARIO OF DARJEELING DISTRICT

Industry at a Glance

Micro & Small Scale Enterprises with Employment in Darjeeling District.

Year Units Employment 2013-14 1839 13825

2014-15 2122 16052

2015-16 2404 17315

Source:- District Statistical Handbook of BAES & Economic Review,2016, Govt.of W.B

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 Total UAM Registration in the district as on 30.06.2020:

Total UAM District MICRO SMALL MEDIUM Registered Units Darjeeling 4829 3892 905 32

Kalimpong 181 165 16 0

Total 5010 4057 921 32

DETAILS OF EXISTING MICRO & SMALL ENTERPRISES (BY INDUSTRY GROUP) IN DARJEELING DISTRICT FOR THE YEAR 2011-12

NIC CODE TYPE OF NO. OF INVEST-MENT EMPLOYMENT INDUSTRY FACTORIES (Lakh Rs.) 10 Manufacture of Food Products 192 183405 12263 11 Manufacture of beverages 2 1108 86 13 Manufacture of Textiles 1 1385 138 16 Manufacture of wood and products of wood & cork except furniture; 6 381 63 manufacture of articles of straw and plaiting materials 17 Manufacture of paper and paper products 3 1927 111 20 Manufacture of chemicals and chemical products 1 531 18 21 Manufacture of pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemical and botanical 2 12 9 products 22 Manufacture of rubber and plastic products 5 887 153 23 Manufacture of other non-metalic mineral products 1 4 6 24 Manufacture of basic metals 6 4438 203 25 Manufacture of fabricated metal products except machinery and 4 285 77 equipment 27 Manufacture of electrical equipment 1 0 0 45 Wholesale and Retail Trade and Repair of motor vehicles & motorcycles 4 2202 77 58 Publishing activities 6 52374 2013

Source: District Statistical Handbook of BAES & Economic Review, 2014, Govt.of W.B

Large Scale Industries / Public Sector undertakings

Both Darjeeling and Kalimpong District have no large scale or Public sector undertakings in the district.

Major Exportable Item Tea is the only notable exportable item from Darjeeling & Kalimpong Districts

Darjeeling tea is a tea made from Camellia sinensis that is grown and processed in the Darjeeling or Kalimpong Districts in West Bengal, India. Since 2004, the term Darjeeling tea has been a registered geographical indication referring to products produced on certain estates within Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Darjeeling tea is a well-known tea variety that is exported around the world.

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 Vendorisation / Ancillarisation of the Industry There is not much scope for ancillary development as there is no large scale unit in and around the districts.

Medium Scale Enterprises

List of the units in Darjeeling & Near By Area

Sl. No Name of the Unit 1 Lumtex Agri Udyog Ltd.

2 Merigold Industries Pvt. Ltd.

Service Sector Tourism

Darjeeling is situated at an attitude of 6,710 ft in Lesser Himalaya. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is noted for its Darjeeling Himalayan Railways and its famous tea industry. A large number of inhabitants being Buddhist there are lots of old monasteries are present along its length and breadth. The vivid landscapes, tea plantation, eternal weather and the slopes make it one of the most popular tourist destinations of India. Darjeeling is the highest tea exporter and thus, tea tourism in Darjeeling attracts many visitors during the plucking season. In this season one might observe the women in the fields plucking the leaves. The aroma in the hills surrounds international visitors. Darjeeling spread across the area of 3149 sq Km is one of the important shopping centers where visitors can shop for showpieces, clothes handicrafts and showpieces. The tourists in Darjeeling shop for woolen garments, handicraft items, fashion clothes and shawls. Tourism is an important economic activity of hill areas of Darjeeling District generating incomes and employment for the local population. Darjeeling receives around 3.5 lakhs domestic tourists and 50,000 foreign tourists per year that generates near 30% of total tourism business of the region worth around Rs 350 crore per annum. Everybody, right from a tea-seller up to the hotel owner benefits from the tourism. Apart from an increase in the income and the demand for local products, tourism also results in a multiplier effect. This refers to the way in which tourist expenditures filter through the economy and generate other economic activities. The tourist season generally starts around April and continues till late October. Darjeeling and Kalimpong receive around 3.5 lakhs domestic tourists annually, besides 50,000 foreigners.

The multiplier effect is based on the concept of interdependency of different sectors of the economy the result of which is that any change in the host economy’s level of output, income, employment, government revenue and foreign exchange flows will be greater than the value of the initial change. The multiplier is expressed as a ratio of change in one of the above variables to the change in tourist

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 spending that brought it about. In addition to its contribution to economic growth in the host economy, the labour intensive nature of tourism and tourism related industries results in a significant impact upon the level of employment in this sector. Income and employment generation are the most obvious positive impacts of tourism.

Issues in Darjeeling Tourism

The facilities and services deteriorate sharply during the peak season as the amenities available cannot cope up with the huge rush. There are shortage of drinking water, electricity cut, deterioration of municipal services, congestion in public transport and lack of accommodation all these leading to a chaotic condition. Not only the visitors are inconvenienced and put to unnecessary tensions, even the local inhabitants get exasperated. Demand for more tourist accommodation and provision of service industries associated with tourist activities need more space. Mushroom growth of hotels, shops, restaurants; have defaced much of the pristine glories of the hill station for which once it was so famous. Uncontrolled urban growth, high-rise building construction, over-looking government regulation, dumping of dirt and filth has robbed the scenic beauty. Adding to the misery is the political instability and unrest in the region. Successive long drawn strikes, political violence in the region kept the tourists away from the ‘Queen of the Hill’. Sources in the tourism department of Government of West Bengal a general response to the strikes and the violence attributed to the agitation played a major role in “marginalizing tourist flow”.

The final blow on the tourism industry in the region is the present pandemic situation. The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), an autonomous district council, has banned the entry of outsiders in Darjeeling and Kalimpong to combat the spread of coronavirus. Though the districts are open now since First week of September officially for tourists, the flow of tourist is much less compared to a normal season in earlier years.

Potential areas for service industry:

1) Automobile repairing 2) Computer servicing and repairing 3) Automobile servicing 4) Electrical gadgets servicing and repairing 5) Rickshaw assembling and repairing 6) STD/ISD/PCO booth 7) Truck and bus body building 8) Photocopy 9) Automobile painting 10) Tyre retreading by cold process 11) Two/three wheeler servicing and repairing 12) Cold Storage 13) TV/Tape/Radio servicing and repairing

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 Potential for new MSMEs Agro-based industries Mineral-based industries 1. Fruits processing and preservation 1. Mineral water 2. Vegetable processing and preservation 2. Stone crushing 3. Tea blending and packaging Livestock-based industries 4. Caffein from tea 1. Milk products (Ghee, Paneer, Butter, Churpi, etc.) 5. Ginger powder 2. Meat processing 6. Corn flakes 3. Wet blue tannery 7. Vegetable processing and preservation 4. Bleaching of hog hair for painting brush, bristles, etc. 8. Tea blending and packaging Forest-based industries 9. Caffein from tea 1. Broom from amliso stick 10. Ginger powder 2. Cane and bamboo work 11. Corn flakes 3. Ayurvedic medicine 12. Potato chips 4. Sal leaves plate and saucer 13. Squash pickle 5. Hand made paper 14. Manufacturing of dry flower by bleaching, dyeing, etc.6. Citronella oil 15. Tissue culture (floriculture) 7. Fodder from amliso grass 16. Ginger oil 8. Paper from Argilli (for finger print) 17. Rope from pineapple leaves 9. Turmeric powder 18. Tomato sauce 10. Til and semul seed oil 19. Jute diversified products 11. Spice grinding 20. Honey filtration and packaging 12. Fuel briquette from forest waste 21. Mushroom cultivation (export oriented) 13. Agarbatti stick from dupi leaves 22. Particle Board 14. Decoration items from totola fruits 23. Carpet from pierced cocoon 15. Plywood products 24. Silk thread for khadi & matka cloth 16. Wooden box for packaging

DETAILS OF MAJOR CLUSTERS

Clay Pottery, Siliguri

Details for Identified cluster (Under MSME-DI, Kolkata)

CFC Project in Lead Acid Battery Cluster, Silliguri, Darjeeling

Under Hard Intervention Stage.

SPV’s contribution: Rs. 93.68 Lakh, 65 micro units are benefitted after Grant in Aid (GoWB): Rs. 65.72 Lakh, setting up of CFC. Around 400 Grant in Aid (GoI): Rs. 777.38 Lakh, people are benefitted. Total: Rs. 936.78Lakh Details of Fund Contribution made :

SPV – Rs.93.68 lakhs, State Govt. – Rs.65.72 lakhs, GOI contribution (1st instalment received) – Rs.310.95 lakhs, Construction of Building is under completion stage (2 nos. of Sheds are Ready but without Flooring, Boundary wall is yet to be constructed).Temporary electric connection of 25 KVA has been installed in one shed. A total of 560 KVA load is required as proposed in DPR. The electric line is to be taken from WBSEDCL. Invitation of Tender for purchase of machineries is under process.

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 Contact person:

Shri Tapan Pyne Managing Director, Siliguri Storage Battery Cluster Services Pvt. Ltd. (SPV), Ph/ Mobile: 94342 33834/ 9832437248 Email: [email protected]

Name of the cluster: Lead Acid Battery, Siliguri, Darjeeling

1 Principal Products Manufactured in the Cluster Lead Acid Storage Battery 2 Name of the SPV Siliguri Storage Battery Cluster Services Pvt. Ltd. 3 No. of functional units in the clusters 72 4 Turnover of the Clusters Rs.100 cr. 5 Value of Exports from the Clusters Rs.135 lakhs 6 Employment in Cluster 1440 7 Average investment in plant & Machinery Rs.740.36 lakhs 8 Major Issues / requirement Skill upgradation,need for CFC to redress constrains in the cluster 9 Presence of capable institutions Br.MSME-DI,Siliguri, DIC,Darjeeling; North Bengal University,Industry Associations. 10 Thrust Areas Need for ISI specification, scrap and waste recycle facility, testing laboratory. 11 Problems & constraints Low level of capacity utilization due to poor profitability 12 Testing needs Testing of raw materials and batteries, 13 Thrust Area - 14 Access to Export Market -

Name of the cluster: Clay Pottery, Siliguri

1 Principal Products Manufactured in the Cluster Earthen utensils 2 Name of the SPV Matigara-Paulpara Industrial Cluster Co-Operative Society Ltd. 3 No. of functional units in the clusters 130 4 Turnover of the Clusters Rs. 4.55 Cr. 5 Value of Exports from the Clusters 6 Employment in Cluster 750 7 Average investment in plant & Machinery 8 Major Issues / requirement Modernization of product; Diversification of products; 9 Presence of capable institutions 10 Thrust Areas Introduction of technology; Testing of ceramic materials; Design centre 11 Problems & constraints Non availability of improved ceramic; finance; marketing 12 Testing needs Raw materials testing for quality product 13 Access to export market 14 Name of the association 15 Key trade Associations address

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 MAJOR PROBLEMS FACING THE MSME SECTOR

Agriculture and tourism are the major industries of the districts. The districts have rich forest coverage, with major forest resources being citronella grass, sal leaves, honey, medicinal plant etc. Proper infrastructural support is needed to develop pharmaceutical and ayurvedic units in the district. Power supply facilities need to be enhanced. Not much land is available for industrial use. For development of technical skill and knowledge of the masses, various skill-based training programmes need to be organized.

At present tourism has been seriously considered in the national sustainable development strategies of many developing countries and placed on the agenda of many international conferences on Sustainable Development/ Tourism in a broader sense has existed for a long time in this Hill region of Darjeeling in West Bengal. The tourism activities are still in its conventional state, not put in the track of modern concept though efforts are being made to give it the real shape under eco-tourism but no avail. Sustainable tourism development provides the opportunity to take proactive approaches based on broad participation by stakeholders, which would contribute to more effective policies and plans.

For any queries regarding MSMEs in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, feel free to contact:

Shri T.K. Banerjee District Nodal Officer, Darjeeling and Kalimpong Asstt. Director (Mech) Br. MSME-DI, Siliguri +91 9064196923; [email protected]

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020

NEWS & VIEWS

Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari distributes electric potter wheels to 100 potter families in Maharashtra

Union Minister for MSME and RTH Shri Nitin Gadkari distributed electric potter wheels, through Video Conference, to 100 potter families in Nanded and Parbhani districts of Maharashtra as a major step ptowards empowerment with Kumhar Sashaktikaran Yojana of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) on 28th October 2020, through video-conference, who have been given 10-day training by KVIC.

The potters belong to 15 villages - 10 villages in Nanded and 5 villages in Parbhani districts - who were distributed the pottery equipment. The distribution of equipment will benefit at least 400 members of the community by increasing their productivity and their income, which is the dream of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Shri Gadkari lauded the Kumhar Sashaktikaran Yojana of KVIC saying this was the first-of-its-kind initiative taken since independence to strengthen and improve the living of potters in the country. “Empowering the marginalized potters’ community and reviving the dying art of pottery is the dream of the Prime Minister. With proper training and distribution of advanced equipment under KumharSashaktikaranYojana, the productivity and income of potters has increased manifolds. The scheme will further be implemented in other remote areas of Maharashtra and other states,” Shri Gadkari said.

On this occasion, Union Minister also interacted with some artisans who expressed happiness on receiving the government support. They said with increase in production using electric potter wheel, they were now earning 3-4 times more than what they earned earlier.

KVIC Chairman Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, who joined through video-conference, said that more than 18,000 electric chaaks have so far been distributed across the country benefiting nearly 80,000 people of the community. He said the average income of potters under KumharSashaktikaranYojana has gone up from nearly Rs 3000 per month to nearly Rs 10,000 per month. “Empowering every potter in the country is the sole objective of the program and KVIC will spare no effort in achieving this goal,” he said.

Shri Nitin Gadkari Launched Unique Khadi Footwear; KVIC Targets Rs 5000 Crore Business

Now feel the fineness of handcrafted Khadi fabric in the footwear. Union Minister for MSME, Shri Nitin Gadkari today launched India’s first-ever high quality Khadi Fabric Footwear, designed by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) through Video Conference. These footwear are made of Khadi fabric like Silk, Cotton and Wool. Shri Gadkari also launched the online sale of Khadi footwear through KVIC’s e-portal www.khadiindia.gov.in.

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 Shri Gadkari heaped praises on Khadi fabric footwear saying such unique products had high potential of capturing the international market. At the same time, he said, Khadi fabric footwear would create additional employment and higher income for our artisans. “Khadi footwear is a unique product. International quality and use of fine fabric like Patola Silk, Banarasi Silk, Cotton, Denim would attract the youngsters who can purchase it online. These footwears are cost-effective,” Shri Gadkari said while also urging the KVIC to develop alternatives to leather accessories like ladies’ handbags, purses, wallet in handcrafted Khadi fabric that has a huge potential in foreign markets. “By developing and marketing such products overseas, Khadi India can capture a market worth Rs 5000 crore,” the MSME Minister said. Minister of State for MSME, Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi said the Khadi fabric footwear is not only environment-friendly and skin-friendly but it reflects the hard work of Khadi artisans that has been put in to make fabric for these footwears. “I congratulate KVIC for developing Khadi fabric footwear according to the global taste. I am sure by occupying a major share in the footwear industry, Khadi fabric footwear will help in reviving the country’s economy,” Shri Sarangi said.

To begin with, the footwears have been launched in 15 designs for ladies and 10 designs for men. Exquisite Khadi products like Patola Silk of Gujarat, Banarasi Silk, Madhubani-printed Silk of Bihar, Khadi Denim, Tussar Silk, Matka - Katia Silk, a variety of Cotton fabric, Tweed Wool and Khadi Poly Vastra have been used to make these footwears unique and trendy. Available in a wide range of designs, colors and prints, these footwears have been designed to suit clothing for all purposes - formal, casual and festive occasions. The Khadi footwear price ranges from Rs 1100 to Rs 3300 per pair.

KVIC Chairman Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena said, venturing into new segments, tapping new markets and diversifying the product range, as envisaged by the Prime Minister, have been the mantra for Khadi’s stupendous success in the last six years. “The idea behind launching Khadi Fabric Footwear was to tap the international market where a large section of international consumers are increasingly going vegan and hence, Khadi will become a preferred choice of this segment. “Khadi fabric footwear is a small step for people, but it will be a giant leap for our Khadi artisans. Using fine fabric like Cotton, Silk and Wool in footwear will lead to higher production of fabric by artisans as well as increase in its consumption. This will ultimately create additional employment and higher income for Khadi artisans,” Saxena said. The size of Indian footwear industry is approx Rs 50,000 crore which includes exports worth nearly Rs 18,000 crore. Saxena said our initial target is to capture at least 2% of this Industry that is estimated to be around Rs 1000 crore.

Incidentally, the idea behind developing the Khadi fabric footwear also coincides with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Local to Global”. Earlier, KVIC had successfully launched its first-ever Khadi wrist watch in association with Titan which has been a trend-setter.

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 Caution Notice from the Ministry of MSME

Ministry of MSME, Government of India has said that it is noticed that certain messages are being circulated in Media and Social Media regarding issuance of appointment letter to the post of ‘Director’ by MSME Export Promotion Council. It is also seen that this organization is using the name of Ministry of MSME. It is hereby clarified that Ministry of MSME, Government of India is not associated with the MSME Export Promotion Council in any way. Also, the Ministry of MSME has not authorized any posting or appointment to any post related with this council. The Public is informed and advised not to fall prey to such messages or such elements.

CHAMPIONS Nodal Officer from West Bengal

Government of West Bengal, Directorate of MSME, Kolkata, has kindly nominated the Smt. Dr. Mou Sen, Joint Director of MSME(HQ) as Nodal Officer for Champions Portal vide order No.D/170/1/(2)/2020 dt. 09.10.2020. The information has already been recorded and linked to the portal. Following is the details of the CHAMPIONS Nodal Officer from Government of West Bengal.

Name of the Nodal Officer: Dr. Mou Sen Designation: Joint Director of MSME (HQ) Address: Directorate of MSME, New Secretariat Buildings, 9th floor, 1, K.S. Roy Road, Kolkata – 700001. Phone : 033-22625151, Ext. 200 (O) E-mail : [email protected]

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020

SPECIAL FEATURES

MEETING AT MSME-DI, KOLKATA IN THE PRESENCE OF SHRI VINAMRA MISHRA, DIRECTOR (T&P), M/O MSME

A meeting was held on 1st October 2020 at the conference hall of MSME-DI, Kolkata in auspicious presence of Shri Vinamra Mishra, Director (Tech & Projects). The meeting was attended by Director I/Cs, MSME-DI, Kolkata and MSME-TC, Kolkata, General Manager, MSME-Tool Room, Kolkata along with 14 officers of MSME-DI, Kolkata. Prominent Industry Associations were also invited and 8 nos. of representative from industrial associations were present in the meeting. At first Shri K. D. Bhattacharya, Director I/C, MSME-DI, Kolkata welcomed Shri Vinamra Mishra, Director (T&P), Ministry of MSME. All the officers and association members expressed happi-ness due to visit of the Director from Ministry of MSME, as it is great opportunity for MSME-DI, Kolkata as well as to various industrial associations. Shri K. D. Bhattacharya requested to Shri Vinamra Mishra, Director (T&P) to preside over the meeting.

As per his advice Shri K. D. Bhattacharya briefed the work done by MSME-DI, Kolkata in the year 2019-20 and its achievement. Shri Bhattacharya emphasized that 6 nos. of CFC under MSE-CDP have been completed and 7 nos. of CFC are ongoing which are on the verge of completion within short period. He informed that 38 nos. potential clusters have been identified by MSME-DI, Kolkata in West Bengal and preliminary project report has been prepared and submitted to O/o DC (MSME), for developing these clusters implementing MSE-CDP or SFURTI Scheme. He appraised to the Director that the main constraint for proposed SPV is to prepare acceptable Detailed project Report (DPR) as per scheme guidelines. Hence MSME-DI, Kolkata assisted the SPV to prepare DPR under the active guidance of this Institute. Under SFURTI Scheme, 3 nos. of DPR for the affected area by “Amphan Super Cyclone” of South 24 Pgs. (Sunderban area) have been prepared by MSME- DI, Kolkata and likely to be submitted to O/o DC(MSME) for consideration. Shri Bhattacharya informed that this office has developed good liaison with banks, State Govt. Dept., and RBI. Continuous advertisement has given on Atmanirbhar Scheme for MSMEs through monthly e- magazine, published and circulated by this Institute, circulated with details of scheme guidelines to all industrial associations and advertising through leading newspaper in . In office website it has also been uploaded and a Helpdesk has been opened to assist MSEs to avail bank loans under this scheme. As a result, total 1,10,203 units have availed loan. Total Rs. 3824.8 Cr. has been disbursed under this scheme to these units as on 1st week of September, 2020. Director briefed that MSME-DI, Kolkata successfully implemented Public Procurement Policy, 2012 to the CPSUs of West Bengal. All of them have achieved the optimum point i.e. 25% purchase from MSEs. These results have been achieved due to organizing many SLVDP, NLVDP with these PSUs and MSEs. One officer has been entrusted to function as Nodal Officer for these CPSUs and proper & prompt reply has been given to any questionnaire/doubt raised by CPSUs/MSME units. This office has initiated to identify Import Substitute Products

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 being imported by CPSUs and to develop these products by MSEs who have similar facilities. He has also requested CPSUs to frame policy/guidelines to give financial support the MSEs who will undertake this product development job. This financial assistance may be provided from their Social corporate Responsibility Fund, if possible.

Shri Vinamra Mishra, Director advised this office to promptly reply Parliament Questions. Director, MSME-DI, Kolkata informed that this office always replied Parliament questions, point-wise in time. Shri Mishra, Director visited the State Champions Control Room of MSME-DI, Kolkata. He reviewed the performance and reply selecting randomly. He also verified the work being performed by the two officers engaged for SCCR during his visit. He tally the data on various parameters appended on display board in SCCR Room with the data bank of champions’ portal. He expressed his satisfaction on the function of SCCR and decorum, display made by MSME-DI, Kolkata in SCCR. Shri Mishra, Director gave a round visit to all rooms of officers, office complex and shown satisfaction with the cleanliness, plantation, beautification maintained by this office. He has also been appraised by showing the work shed wherein CFTI, Agra will set up a leather training center occupying 10,000 sq.ft. area under constructed shed but needs to renovated. Shri Mishra, Director invited opinions and suggestions for restructuring the various schemes of Ministry of MSME particularly ZED Scheme, Procurement & Marketing Support Scheme, Incubation, IPR, Udyog Registration etc.

Representatives of Indian Chamber of Commerce, Kolkata opined that more advertisement, display, propagation of the scheme is needed through digital media, preferably in Facebook, Twitter, YouTube etc., he also informed that more awareness programme should be conducted of at least 3 -5 days duration, wherein the various parameters of ZED, the benefit of ZED Certification and procedural aspects may be discussed in details to understand the scheme by MSEs.

Secretary of FOSMI opined that ZED Certification should get a statutory and mandatory status and the certificate will speak as a unit, adopting quality management and system management. The benefit may be imparted linking with Public Procurement Policy, Interest Subsidy for bank loan etc. He stressed upon that MSME-DI may be Implementing Deptt. & it will give good impact on implementation of ZED Scheme.

Mr. T. Sen, Sr. Executive, Neogi Technologies and Research Pvt. Ltd. Informed that they have awarded with Gold ZED Certification. He briefed the house that adopting the guidelines of ZED Scheme, the unit has been able to reduce the cost of production, improve the quality, motivational involvement of workers and staff, easy access of data, good inventory control, cleanliness and keeping neat and clean etc. He also informed that a ZED Certified unit can easily get registered with GeM portal without having a registered brand name/trade name. He projected Director (T&P), Ministry of MSME the difficulties faced to get international certification on their Oil Dispenser Equipment (Product) which is not available nationally and it is a highly cost effective, though their units are Gold ZED certified but due to lack of this International Calibration Certificate of their products, they are unable to export.

Members of Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCC&I) and ICC requested Shri Mishra to simplify the procurement and marketing Scheme, particularly for organizing National Trade Fair and participation in the International Trade Fair. He

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 opined that MSME-DI should be involved in the process of approval of Mela as well as reimbursement of the same as per the scheme guidelines. He informed that if approval from O/o DC (MSME), New Delhi within short span of time, then the quality of organizing the Mela will be deteriorated as it takes at least 5 months for planning and organizing an effective Mela and Trade Fair.

Regarding Incubation Scheme, Director I/c., MSME-DI, Kolkata informed that 17 nos. of technologies colleges have been approved as HI/BI.

The members of the industrial associations requested that the problem and suggestions for MSME sector may also be included in the scheme which will be developed under Incubation Scheme. The laboratories facilities of Engineering Colleges, CSIR Labs may be easily accessible to MSE units.

Secretary, FOSMI informed that Udyam Registration may be linked with GeM Registration.

Director, MSME-DI, Kolkata informed that provision may be kept to keep provision to generate data on SC/ST/Women entrepreneurs in Udyam Registration Portal and link to be provided to MSME-DI to access the data from Udyam Registration Portal.

Shri Dilip Kumar Paswan, Dy. Chairman, Dalit Industries Association, West Bengal expressed his satisfaction on the cooperation made by MSME-DI, Kolkata regularly by dissemination of various information regarding MSME Development Act, Scheme guideline, policy etc. He has shown his interest to set up some CFCs under SFURTI Scheme for the local SC/ST people. He also showed his interest to set up a Technology Centre for imparting training to SC/ST students in technical field.

Shri K. D. Bhattacharya, Director I/c., MSME-DI, Kolkata opined that in IID projects where there is a contribution from Govt. of India, representatives of MSME-DI may be included in the committee for allotment of shed for effective implementation of the project. General Manager, MSME-Tool Room informed that Director of Technical Education, Govt. of West Bengal has offered 4 nos. of ITI Colleges for setting up of Technology Centre with terms & conditions that approved courses for these colleges may be continued by MSME-TR and Technology Centre.

Shri Mishra, Director also hold a meeting with senior officers of corporate office of two CPSUs. Coal India briefed that major part of purchase has been done to purchase heavy mining machinery. Hence, the achievement got shortfall in which year considerable amount of heavy machinery in purchase, otherwise MSEs bags most of the order from Coal India Ltd. Both the CPSUs informed that there is a shortfall in respect of purchase from SC/ST and woman entrepreneur as there is less no. of unit who participate in tendering. Shri Mishra, Director advised to organized more no. of SLVDP in association with these CPSUs to promote SC/ST and woman entrepreneurs highlighting the scope of business in the sector. Both CPSUs informed to Director that MSME-DI, Kolkata extended good support and frequently met with them which result to achieve such target. Shri Mishra, Director expressed his satisfaction on the overall performance off MSME-DI, Kolkata. Shri Mishra, Director also visited MSME-Testing centre within the same compound.

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 Online Workshop for Micro and Small Entrepreneurs

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 Gohona Bori from Moyna , Purba Medinipur

‘Just to see, not to eat’ Rabindranath Tagore said he received a gift of jewellery from a student named Seba Maiti in Santiniketan in 1930. It was his wish that the photographs of the Gohona Bori or Naksa Bori (Jewellery pills) be preserved in the Kalabhavan as artifacts. Abanindranath Tagore was also in favour of recognizing jewellery pills as an art, not just as a pill – ‘Bori’ in Bengali, an integral part of traditional . So he thought that cooking and eating these pills meant destroying art.

Satyajit Ray has also given a place to Gohona Bori in the movie 'Agantuk'. Although the pill is made in almost all the districts of Bengal, the jewellery pill is Medinipur's own work of art. Medinipur has demanded the GI recognition of that jewellery pill.

Bori (Bengali বড়ি) or Pills is a form of dried lentil dumplings popular in Bengali cuisine. It is made from a paste of urad dal mixed with poppy seeds or winter melon, which is sun- dried for 3–5 days. At one time, jewellery pills were mainly confined to the traditional and art- conscious families of Tamluk, Maina and Kanthi areas. Now, of course, jewellery pills are being made commercially on a small scale. This exclusive family industry has now entered the world of marketing. The local market is also reaching Kolkata. The women of many families in the village are making a living by making these pills.

Bengalis can be proud of this ancient jewellery pill. It is a mistake to say that jewellery pills are lost Earlier, jewellery pills were not sold. Now it is being marketed widely. Although the price is a little higher, the demand in the market is increasing. Whoever has demand in the market, he will survive. This is the market economy. Maybe there will be no nobility like before. But it will survive. Brief of the product – Gohona or Naksa Bori is basically made from a paste of lentils, primarily Urad. There are other additives too like Poppy seeds. Poppy is very costly ingredient and the price of good biulir dal or Urad dal is also quite high which make this Gohona Bori costlier.

The lentils were soaked in water the night before to make the batter next day. During this preparation of Bori, households maintain several traditional cleanliness measures to make their produce healthy and hygienic. The main producer of these bori in rural Bengal are the housewives. The housewives used to take a bath in the morning and leave the betel nuts in the batter. The better the whipping, the lighter and softer the pill is. Poppy seeds were spread on a large bronze dish with oil in such a way that the surface of the plate was no longer visible. The beaten stalks were then wrapped in a thick cloth with fine holes (much like jellyfish) and made into designs on the

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020 poster of the dish and then given as jewellery pills. Another name for jewellery pills is design pills. No mould is used to make the design of the pills. It is completely hand-crafted and the design is made from the makers own sense of art and creativity. There are also some traditional designs. It is called jewellery pill as it is similar to the design of gold jewellery. Designs inspired by nature like leave, flowers, birds, butterflies can also be seen. Before the British came to this country, poppy was not used in pills. Then the pills were given on cloth, sheets made of bamboo sticks or rugs. One has to make jewellery pills very carefully, so that the designs do not merge with each other.

Area of Coverage – It is available mostly in the local market, because these are only packed with plastic packet / Paper packet. There is demand for Gohona Bori or Jewellery Pills in the urban markets. Artisans collect plastic box and using the same as packaging. For the said reason the complete products cost becoming almost double. Already Gohona Bori artisans have participated more than 30 Industrial fairs / Vendor Development Programmes / Melas etc. in various Districts of West Bengal with these Gohona Bori and got the sound result from local market in this regards. In few cities of West Bengal, Gohona Bori is available at some particular shop.

Economic Background – Most of the artisans are women and from poor families. They are making the Gohona Bori by managing their family as part time self worker. More than 1000 artesians and self help group engaged to make this Gohona Bori at Moyna block. Now a day’s their also making Batasa Bori and Masala Bori, which are also very testy and also accepted in present market. Intervention - The main problem are lack of knowledge in the field of modern scientific machinery for mixing, drying, preservation, modern technology and compact packaging. Because they are manufacturing the said Bori by hand making process and dry with sunray. With scientific preservation and good packaging can helps them to better market in domestic as well as export market. Presently, One Association as known as Moyna Micro Small Industries Association, Moyna Ramkrishnayan Association and Moyna Vivekananda Association are trying to motivate local entrepreneurs to develop the said Gohona Bori.

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020

IGNITING IDEAS

Plastic Waste Recycling

DESCRIPTION:

Technology to create new materials from non-recyclable plastic waste (particularly LDP and MLP) These materials can be used to create packaging, interiors, furniture among others They create livelihood by building capacity of grassroots recyclers in utilizing the upcycling process to create end-products

FEATURES & ADVANTAGES

The materials are highly durable, easily recyclable and waterproof They can be used as Vegan Leather, Floor Tiles and Wallpapers and even to create Solids like Trays, Toilets and Stools Climate positive – avoids the release of 60kgs of CO2 per kg of plastic recycled Can be easily repaired or recycled – creating Circularity

Direct Recycling of Polystyrene Waste using Citrus Peel Extract for Oil Spill Remediation

DESCRIPTION:

Simple one-step method of fabrication of hydrophobic and oleophilic fabric of plastic waste using citrus fruit peel extracts

Novel technology to directly recycle polystyrene waste into fabric for oil spills cleaning

No fabric available in market to absorb oil

Recycling waste polystyrene to make fabric for oil absorption

The fabric can act as a flexible insulator suitable to be used in construction material

SPECIFIC PROBLEM CATERED TO

Increase in usage of Polystyrene which is non-biodegradable Technical challenges and poor economic viability of presently available PS recycling technologies

Source: Accelerating Growth of New India's Innovations (AGNIi)

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Udyami Bangla 2nd Year, Vol: XII, November 2020

Officers of MSME-DI, Kolkata taking pledge of integrity on Vigilance Awareness Week 2020

ATTENSION PLEASE

Ministry of MSME is coming across fake agencies offering loan, udyam registration etc. & charging money from people/units. We warn of legal action & advise public NOT TO PAY ANY FEES/CHARGES. All advised to avail only free service of Govt agency & portal showing .gov.in

Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises - Development Institute 111-112, B. T. Road, Kolkata –700108 Phone 033-25770597/98 [email protected], [email protected] www.msmedikolkata.gov.in

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