Patna: Policymakers, industry leaders, and academics gathered at the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIMP) in Patna on Wednesday for a conclave celebrating National Productivity Week, highlighting the role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Bihar’s economic development.
Organised jointly by the National Productivity Council (NPC), the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and CIMP, the event centred on the theme: “Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximising Productivity in MSMEs – Towards Viksit Bharat @2047 through Competitive MSME Clusters.”
The conclave began with a ceremonial lamp-lighting, followed by a welcome address from Kumod Kumar, Chief Administrative Officer at CIMP and Chair of the Bihar Chapter of the PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Kumar emphasised the transformative potential of MSMEs in Bihar, describing them as “the backbone of sustainable growth” capable of generating jobs, fostering entrepreneurship, and driving inclusive development.
The Chief Guest, Mihir Kumar Singh, IAS, Development Commissioner of Bihar, underscored the importance of grassroots empowerment. “The true measure of Bihar’s progress lies not only in large-scale infrastructure or industrial growth, but in the empowerment of its people at the grassroots,” he said. “By strengthening MSMEs, agriculture, and local enterprises, Bihar can build a model of inclusive growth that uplifts communities and ensures that development reaches the last mile.”
Neerja Sekhar, IAS, Director General of NPC, highlighted the critical role of clusters in productivity and innovation. Drawing on her early experiences working in Bihar, she said: “By strengthening linkages, fostering knowledge exchange, and building capacity, NPC has helped clusters evolve into engines of competitiveness and sustainability. Grassroots engagement remains central to enabling local enterprises to drive inclusive growth across the nation.”
Other speakers included Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh, Director of CIMP; Shweta M. Devtale, Assistant Director, MSME DFO, Patna; CA Ashish Rohtagi, former Vice President of the Bihar Industry Association; Dr. Sanjeev K. Jain, Joint Director & Head of CIPET Bihta; J.K. Singh, Regional Director of NPC Patna; and B.K. Sinha, Secretary General of the Bihar State Productivity Council.
Rohtagi emphasised the bridging role of industry associations between entrepreneurs and policymakers, while Dr. Jain highlighted the importance of innovation in plastics and materials technology to equip Bihar’s youth with globally competitive skills. Singh noted the need to connect local enterprises to national and international markets, and Sinha stressed that grassroots productivity initiatives are vital for sustainable and inclusive growth.
The conclave brought together stakeholders from government, industry, and academia to deliberate on the role of MSME clusters in India’s development agenda, including open-house discussions with startups. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by B.K. Sinha.
