RAJASTHAN STATE INDUSTRIAL POLICY

7. TECHNOLOGY UPGRADATION AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

In the wake of liberalisation, technological obsolescence has emerged as a major threat to the health and survival of industrial units, particularly in the small and tiny sector. In this context, a sector- specific and cluster-based strategy for facilitating technological upgradation in collaboration with local associations, specialised organisations and financial institutions and banks will be pursued. The principal role of the State Government in this exercise would be that of motivation and facilitation.

Consultative Committees for SSIs will be constituted in respect of specific sectors to review their existing technology status and advise on measures for technological advancement and quality upgradation. In respect of Thrust Sectors, such Consultative Committees will be set up as sub-groups of their Development Councils. These Committees will comprise experts from Engineering Colleges, Technical Education Department, Rajasthan Financial Corporation(RFC) and 2/3 members of Manufacturers Association.

RIICO has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council(TIFAC), Department of Science and Technology(DST), Government of India for co-operation in the areas of preparation of project reports, identification of technologies and joint venture partners, identification of environmental friendly process for handling wastes, etc. Entrepreneurs are likely to be benefited by way of identifying suitable technologies by virtue of this tie-up.

Tiny units have been able to enhance their productivity significantly through interventions like improved tools. Efforts of voluntary organisations/NGOs to provide technical assistance to tiny/household units will be supported.

In collaboration with BIS, the Commissionerate of Industries will organise motivational programmes in identified clusters for quality upgradation.

The State Government will institute Quality Awards to accord recognition to entrepreneurs achieving excellence in the field of quality.

Preference will be given to ISI/ISO marked products in procurement by the State Government and its Public Sector Enterprises.

8. PRODUCTIVITY

8.1 A programme for productivity improvement in identified sectors/clusters will be initiated in collaboration with the Industries Associations, National Productivity Council and other specialised organisations. The programme envisages creating awareness and training for improving production process, management and work method.

8.2 A Productivity Award will be introduced to encourage the productivity movement in the State.

Developing Industry Related R&D Capabilities in the State

In future, sustainable growth will depend on knowledge and innovation. Research and Development capability in the State, therefore, needs to be actively encouraged.

The State Government will constitute a core team comprising industry leaders, scientific community members and Government representatives to work out a plan for developing a major R&D Laboratory with focus on long-term projects in pure/applied sciences.

The State Government will also promote inter-active laboratories in some of the existing ITI’s, Polytechnics and Colleges which will focus on resolving operational problems of existing industries, testing, short-term training and applied research projects. R&D needs for the purpose will be assessed through inter-actions with Industry. Land up to 5 acres would be allotted by RIICO for R&D Laboratories, with specified facilities, at a concessional rate of 25% of the prescribed rates.

The support to provide institutions engaged in industrial research and development by way of allotment of land in industrial areas at concessional rates and exemption from payment of Sales Tax on purchase of tools and equipment will continue. Similarly, the Government would continue to assist private institutions in setting up common facilities such as testing laboratories, tool rooms, prototype development centres, and institutes for specific disciplines related to industries, etc.