The 125th year celebrations of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) were kicked off in classic style by Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit and a galaxy of other eminent personalities at a function held in Chennai. “The southern States have consistently scored high in the country on key economic and social indicators with the help of Government’s policy initiatives. Especially, Tamil Nadu ranks first among the States in terms of number of factories and industrial workers”, said Purohit, while addressing the august gathering.
The Governor added: “Tamil Nadu has a diversified manufacturing sector and features among the leading States in several industries like auto and auto components, garments & textile products, IT & ITes, etc.” He also mentioned the various schemes of State and Central Government for the ease of doing business and further added that there is a need for interaction between industry and universities to increase the employability of the students.
In his special address, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, TN Chief Minister, said: “The various proactive policy measures announced by the Government has made the State an attractive investment destination in the country.” The CM said that the launch of “Direct CTO Scheme for Green Industries” to relax the process for pre-establishment clearances for green category industries would bring new investments into the State.
The Chief Minister also mention that through this new scheme, 63 varieties of industrial segments will get benefitted especially the MSME industries. He also mentioned that as an outcome of the Global Investors Meet 59 industries have started their functions in a single year and 213 companies are in the pipeline. Further, 63 MoUs have been signed which has created about 83,000 employment opportunities in the State.
Vikram Kirloskar, CII President, and Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd., said: “CII has pioneered industry engagement and is setting the pace for industry-community partnerships through various initiatives for integrated and inclusive development across diverse domains.”
He further said that the theme for CII@125 years celebration, ‘Business and Beyond’ reflects the two-fold interventions that CII has espoused, which means working for Indian industry’s competitiveness as a potent instrument of growth and development and to strengthen community and social development with the partnership and support of Government, industry and other stakeholders. As part of the CII’s 125th year celebrations, it has plans to conduct several events within India and abroad this year. With 9 Centres of excellence, CII has been promoting quality training which has enabled many companies to win the Deming Prize. Overall, CII acts like an engine of growth for the Indian economy.
Sanjay Jayavarthanavelu, Chairman, CII – Southern Region, and Chairman & MD, Lakshmi Machine Works Ltd., in his welcome address, said: “CII in Southern Region places a lot of focus on developmental initiatives and engages with the civil society through specific interventions and through the vast network of offices, we have been able to reach out our services to the industry and also create a platform for policymakers to interact with industry on various aspects related to industrial development in the State.”
R.Seshasayee, Past President, CII, and Vice Chairman, Hinduja Group, in his thought-provoking speech recalled that 73 years ago when India got independence, CII had completed 52 years of existance and it always believed in quest for change. Out of its total membership of 8,700, more than 7,800 members are from MSME’s. CII has been considered as the vanguard of the Indian economy’s growth, in recognition of which its 125th year celebrations have been themed ‘Business & Beyond’. He also said that CII’s responsibility at present is beyond the purview of industry and beyond cities, which concentrate more on the inclusive development of the nation.
Shobana Kamineni, Past President, CII, and Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., said that there is a need to create more employment opportunity for women in the industrial sector as women’s participation in the sector would create more wealth to the nation.
S. Chandramohan, Chairman, CII Tamil Nadu, and Group President, Finance & Investment Strategy, TAFE Ltd., delivered the vote of thanks.
Around 300 participants comprising members, CII office bearers from across the southern region, State Ministers, senior government officials, diplomatic corps and media personnel participated in the grand launch celebrations.