Centre’s shift in policy may hit Ranipet fabrication units

The BHEL Ranipet is an ancillary to its parent unit at Tiruchy with expertise in production of thermal power plant equipment.

“While 100 units have closed down totally, what has peeved the entrepreneurs is the central government’s micro engineering cluster earmarked for this area has been bogged down due to several unrelated issues,” according to cluster chairman R Amirthakatesan. “Even if the government had earmarked 50% each for thermal and wind/solar power equipment production, the units in Ranipet will be spared,” he said.

The Vellore District Small and Tiny Industries Association purchased 10 acres at Sripathanallur village near Ranipet for the cluster and erected a Rs 12 crore unit to undertake jobs for various MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises).

“Under the cluster scheme individual units cannot solicit orders directly, but have to go through the cluster which gives jobs to members willing to accept the rate” he added.

Thus, Ranipet entrepreneurs who are forced to diversify have approached defence services, railways and BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited) for orders. “We have had a very encouraging response mainly due to the prime minister’s ‘Make in India’ objective” he added.

“We now plan to attend the twoday MSME exhibition at Bangalore scheduled for February 2,” he added.

The cluster has also put up a unit to train local youth as welders, fitters and lathe operators to meet the anticipated increase in orders once the cluster successfully solicits orders from various parts of the country. But, till then those involved in the trade will have to wait and watch.