CII Manufacturing Conclave East: Future-Proofing India’s Manufacturing Sector

Jamshedpur, July 5, 2024

The 11th edition of the Manufacturing Conclave East, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), convened industry leaders to deliberate on the future of manufacturing in India. Held at The Cruze in Jamshedpur, the conclave focused on preparing the manufacturing industry for future challenges and opportunities under the theme “Future Ready to Future Proof Manufacturing.”

Key Insights from Industry Leaders:

1. GDP Growth and Poverty Alleviation:
   • Mr. Kamal Bali, President and Managing Director of Volvo Group India Pvt Ltd, highlighted India’s remarkable GDP growth rate of 8.2% this year. Sustaining this growth for over two decades could lift millions of Indians out of poverty.
   • He emphasized adaptability, flexibility, and forward-thinking as essential for India’s economic success.
2. Mega Trends and Ambitious Goals:
   • Mr. Bali shared eight mega trends that, if rigorously followed, could boost India’s manufacturing sector from the current $600 billion to an impressive $6 trillion by 2047.
   • Sustainability was underscored as a non-negotiable imperative.
3. Addressing Brain Drain and Skill Development:
   • Mr. Suvendra Behera, Chairman of CII Eastern Region, expressed concern about brain drain. He advocated for establishing skill development centers within India to retain talent.
4. India’s Path to Manufacturing Leadership:
   • Mr. Ranjot Singh, Chairman of CII Jharkhand State Council, projected that by 2030, India would become a global manufacturing leader. The Eastern Region, including Jharkhand, plays a crucial role.
   • Collaborative efforts by organizations like CII are vital for achieving this goal.
5. Government Initiatives and “Make in India”:
   • Mr. Ramphal Nehra emphasized that manufacturing is a pillar of India’s growth. Government schemes and initiatives drive dynamic progress.
   • “Make in India” offers significant investment opportunities and promotes domestic manufacturing.
6. Jharkhand’s Role in Manufacturing:
   • Mr. Ujjal Chakraborti highlighted Jharkhand’s abundant mineral resources and strategic location. The state’s manufacturing sector, particularly in steel and automotive components, contributes significantly to its growth.
   • Jamshedpur’s automotive manufacturing facilities are among the largest in the country, supported by ancillary industries.
7. Sustainability, Digital Transformation, and Robotics:
   • Mr. Ravindra Kulkarni emphasized India’s commitment to sustainability, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2070. He recognized the pivotal role of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) as the backbone of the Indian economy.
   • Digital transformation, data analytics, and robotics were highlighted as key drivers of progress.
8. Views from Eminent Speakers:
   • Mr. Prithish Chowdhary, Co-Chairman of CII ER Manufacturing Sub Committee, stated that India’s growth signifies a return to its former glory.
   • Eminent speakers, including Mr. Sanjay Sabherwal, Mr. Saurabh Verma, Mr. Ravish Sharma, Mr. M. Sankaranarayanan, Mr. Sarajit Jha, and others, shared valuable insights during the session.

The 11th Edition of CII Manufacturing Conclave East witnessed more than 200 participants. The conclave provided networking opportunities, actionable strategies, and knowledge to navigate a rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape effectively