Chandigarh BDS Cluster

Under the project, industries associations are expected to play an active role in the development of the BDS market, and also to provide value-added services to its members on commercial basis. In order to build awareness in this regard, TERI organized a two-day training programme on ‘Cluster development and role of associations’ at Chandigarh on 1^st and 2^nd February 2010. The purpose was to sensitize stakeholders—mainly, industry associations of the Mohali–Panchkula–Chandigarh (MPC) engineering cluster—on the importance of their role in overall cluster development. The participants included office bearers of Industries Association of Chandigarh, Mohali Industries Association, Haryana Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Chandigarh Screw Manufacturers Associations along with a few BDS providers and academicians.

The programme was designed and conducted by BIMTECH (Birla Institute of Management Technology), Greater Noida, following an assessment of the needs and expectations of stakeholders. The objective was to create awareness among participants on different facets of cluster development; sensitize them on their likely roles in development of the cluster; and apprise them of various facilities and promotional schemes for industries associations offered by the government at both state and central levels.

The programme was divided into eight sessions of 90 minutes each, and included classroom sessions, presentation of case studies, and discussions. BIMTECH prepared the course material in two volumes. Volume 1 dealt with concepts of cluster development, methodology of diagnostic studies and preparation of action plans, role of BDS, tools and methodologies of cluster development, techniques of monitoring and evaluations, etc. Volume 2 contained details of government schemes that involve industries associations, as well as case studies of associations that have successfully implemented development schemes. The training modules covered the following topics:

• Role of clusters in developed and developing economies; international experiences; status of cluster development in India
• Trust building and social capital
• Identification of cluster problems and finding solutions
• Implementing cluster development initiatives
• Role of BDS in cluster development
• Role of associations in cluster development
• Schemes of the government for cluster development under which associations are to play pivotal role and case studies of associations who have implemented such initiatives by availing assistance under the schemes of the government

The event was marked by lively discussions, and generated considerable interest and enthusiasm about the role of industries associations in catalysing the process of developing the MPC cluster.

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