CICU holds video meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

Ludhiana: In a video meeting with Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for MSME, the Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings (CICU) president Upkar Singh Ahuja highlighted that recently, GoI imposed a curb on Import of Power tillers, its good opportunity for Industry in North, as many units making part for power tillers in Phagwara, Jalandhar and Punjab. Power tillers is costly by Approx. Rs. 20000 compared to Chinese manufacturers. The only reason behind the same is availability of Engine. Chinese manufacturers dominate the market more than 50%.

There are many Local manufacturers, but R & D support is required for designing & Testing and approval of Engines. In Ludhiana there is already a center for Auto Parts R & D, which was setup with United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), which is having Land & Building availability. Ministry of MSME must step in and help industry to set up the center, which support industry for engine testing is Automotive Research Association of India, Pune. This will help the Indian Manufacturing to cut import, increase export and make India atam nirbhar in this area.
CICU also submitted a letter to  Gadkari to set up a center for small engines R & D to boost industry in Punjab.
 
Gadkari appreciated the suggestion given by Ahuja and mention that land and building to be provided. Minister of MSME will extend full support for machine and equipment. Also, IIT or engineering college can be roped up for the same. It is very important to start R&D and make power tiller and other Hi-tech farm equipments in Punjab. Ahuja further mentioned that they are also in touch with Punjab Government for setting up centre in Ludhiana and will take steps to set up centre in Ludhiana at earliest.