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Form information database

There is need to create an integrated information database which can help the industry as also policy makers in formulating efficient decisions keeping in view the globalisation of the market place. Towards this end, all the stakeholders, government, industry, trade and individual firms will have to play an active role. In the changed scenario, the importance of information is paramount since the competition is growing intensely. These data and information are the vital inputs to keep oneself stay afloat facing trade challenges more effectively. Towards forming such an information, it should be kept in mind that the database is comprehensive and broad based. This will call for networking of a whole lot of agencies in the public and private sectors. All of them will have to work in tandem. Undoubtedly, the task will not be an easy one in view of the unorganised nature of the industry. Here, the government will have to play a very critical role in catalysing the whole process.

Moreover, a cluster-centric approach will provide a strong impetus to the fragmented industry. The Textiles Committee’s endeavour to initiate cluster-based development strategy in 23 textile clusters is certainly a much-needed approach. There is no denial that these small and medium units play a very crucial role in the overall production process. In fact, more than 65 per cent weaving and proccesing facilities are in the decentralised sector and any improvement towards this end will go a long way in enhancing the overall efficiency factor of the industry. The Abid Hussain Committee, constituted by the government, had recommended a cluster-based approach for the development of these units which have been working without any convergence. In both industrialised and developing countries, there is an increasing evidence that clustering and networking can help small and medium units boost their competitiveness. These clusters are environments to effectively implement support initiative aimed at enlarging the production base, conquering market niches, accessing export markets, triggering growth and offering employment opportunities. The objective is to foster the collective efficiency of these units and improving their support systems so that the emerging opportunities on account of globolisation are exploited. The programme aims to identify and meet the felt needs of these small units in a cluster by channelising the resources of support service institutions in coordinated and integrated manner. The programme also aims at helping various clusters/stakeholders to develop consensus-based vision for the cluster development and also strengthening their capacity to act upon such vision in a collective fashion. A comprehensive review of Indian small-scale enterprise cluster undertaken in November 1996 by the UNIDO in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) assistance has clearly identified the significance of these units in the sustainable economic growth. The study resulted in first ever databank of 138 clusters and received strong policy support and interest from the government for development and co-operation.