Jolt for make-in-Odisha ii as industry partner cii backs out

BHUBANESWAR: The second edition of Make-in-Odisha conclave scheduled in November received a jolt as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) backed out of the event citing its participation in other international events. The CII was industry partner for the largest industry carnival of the State, which had successfully organised the first edition during November 30 to December 2, 2016, attracting 124 investment intents worth over `3.64 lakh crore.

The State Government was planning to organise next event on a grand scale as about 60 per cent proposals received during the investor meets leading up to the conclave in 2016 are at various stages of a p p r o v a l a n d implementation. While the Government is apparently peeved over the CII’s response, Chairman of CII Odisha State Council Arun Misra and Vice-Chairman Subrat Tripathy have resigned from their posts over the sudden move. Both Misra and Tripathy were elected last month.

“The response of CII is particularly disappointing in view of the fact that in 2015, Odisha Government had designated the apex industry association as its industry partner for all investment promotion activities,” a statement from the Industry Department stated. It, however, clarified that the Government remains committed to the Make-in-Odisha Conclave 2018 in coordination with various stakeholders and is taking up necessary measures to make it successful.

“The investment promotion efforts of the State are focused on sustainable industrial growth leading to increased employment opportunities and all round development,” it added. The Government, in fact, firmed up the composition of events and various promotion activities leading upto the event after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik last year announced that the second edition of the conclave will be organised during November 11-15. Post announcement, various stakeholders including CII were engaged to discuss the modalities for the event. In February, CII had also shared draft conditions of partnership and list of proposed CII coordinators for various committees to organise various events as well as the proposed budget.

In fact, CII had been working until recently with the State Government officials towards planning for the event. But on April 4, the association informed about its inability to partner for the conclave in view of prior engagements during the proposed dates. Industry Department officials said the CII’s response is not acceptable.

“The Government had designated the industrial body as a major partner. How can they withdraw citing prior engagements? It seems to be deliberate as the association was well aware of the event dates since last November,” said an official. Contacted, Misra said CII wanted to limit its role only road shows and coordination. “I have resigned from the State Council,” he admitted.