MINISTERIAL MECHANISM TO OVERSEE AUTO SECTOR
GROWTH INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH AUTO INDUSTRY
Shri Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Heavy
Industries and Public Enterprises today has offered to set up
Ministerial mechanism to oversee speedy implementation and removal
of major constraints hindering desired growth in the auto sector.
Shri Prabhu was speaking at an interactive session between his
Ministry and Indian Automobile Industry represented by its two
main associations Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM)
and Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA).
The Minister also announced the setting up of an Inter-ministerial
Committee headed by the Heavy Industry Secretary to co-ordinate
policy implementation, inter-ministerial issues and suggest ways
to remove impediments in making the auto industry a global player.
This Committee would meet quarterly.
Shri Prabhu underlined the need for
aggressive marketing of ‘Made in India’ brand through wide overseas
publicity involving Indian missions abroad. State-specific issues
could be addressed by convening meetings with concerned Chief
Ministers, he added. Elaborating the critical necessity to increase
the spending on R&D, the Minister announced that his Ministry
will organise a "World Best Practices Meet" around November-December
this year. This meet to be organised in cooperation with the National
Productivity Council and Auto Industry will be attended by global
experts, he added.
Dr. Vallabhbhai Kathiria, Minister
of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, in his address
said that the auto industry is a significant contributor to the
national economy with its investment exceeding Rs.50,000 crore
and output exceeding Rs.81,000 crore per annum. He said its growth
resulting in a wide choice of automobiles for Indian customers
is a happy development. Secretary, Shri B.N.Jha underlined the
need to enhance productivity and cut costs for making world class
automobiles, particularly small cars which can compete globally.
He emphasised the need for enhancing the export potential of the
auto component industry and the need for showcasing their skills
and potential in world fairs and exhibitions.
Shri R.Seshasayee, President, SIAM
and Shri L.Ganesh, former President of ACMA made detailed presentations
and articulated problems and prospects of the industry. The two
other associations thanked the Government for announcing the Auto
Policy and welcomed the announcement of setting up of implementation
mechanism for its expeditious implementation.
