The central government is setting up mega leather, footwear and accessories clusters in multiple states, expanding beyond the traditional hubs of Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, with a focus on boosting exports. These facilities will be established in Muzaffarpur (Bihar), Sitapur (Madhya Pradesh), Raigad district (Maharashtra), and Ranipet (Tamil Nadu) at a cumulative investment of Rs 898 crore.
Investment and export focus
Nidhi Kesarwani, joint secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), informed reporters on Monday that the parks have already attracted investments worth Rs 2,000 crore. “One of the parks is still coming up in Maharashtra. They are in the initial phases of development. So, it will grow, and I think quite a good amount of investment will be made,” she said. Exports will be a key focus area in these clusters, she added.
Ranipet cluster and sustainability
The mega cluster in Tamil Nadu is being established at Panapakkam in Ranipet, spanning 290 acres with central government assistance of Rs 125 crore. Kesarwani further stated that a Zero Solid Waste Discharge facility would be set up at Ranipet at a cost of Rs 50 crore to convert solid waste into industrial-use salt, promoting environmental sustainability.
Energy security for industries
Petal Dhillon, joint secretary in the Department of Commerce under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said a multi-pronged approach has been adopted to ensure adequate energy supplies, including petroleum and gas, for industries. This is intended to prevent production disruptions amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.
