Stakeholders’ Consultation Held in Jharsuguda to Discuss MSME Extension Centre Establishment.
Jharsuguda: The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is set to establish 20 Technology Centers and 100 Extension Centers across India under the “Establishment of Technology/Extension Centers in India” initiative. As part of this nationwide project, Jharsuguda will soon have its own Extension Center aimed at providing technology support, business development services, and training to local industries.
A stakeholder consultation was held at Sanskruti Bhawan, Jharsuguda, on March 26, 2025, with the support of the District Industries Center (DIC), Jharsuguda. The meeting focused on discussing the establishment of the Extension Center at the MSME Development and Facilitation Office in Jharsuguda.
J.K. Maurya, Additional General Manager of IRCON International Ltd., welcomed the participants and provided an overview of the project. He highlighted that the Jharsuguda Extension Center will function under a hub-and-spoke model, with the Central Tool Room and Training Centre (CTTC) in Bhubaneswar serving as the central hub. Along with Jharsuguda, five other Extension Centers are being established under the mentorship of CTTC Bhubaneswar.
The Extension Center in Jharsuguda is expected to provide advanced technological support to local industries. It will offer facilities such as precision machining, tools, jigs, fixtures, patterns, and access to modern machinery. The center will also focus on skill development, helping to address the shortage of skilled labor in the district.
Neetu Goel, Consultant of Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, presented successful case studies of similar technology centers across India. She pointed out that the lack of access to advanced machinery and the shortage of skilled workers are two major challenges faced by MSMEs and industries. The new Extension Center aims to fill this gap by equipping local businesses with the necessary tools and training.
“The Extension Center will play a crucial role in empowering MSMEs in Jharsuguda by providing cutting-edge technology and business development support,” Goel said.
The consultation was attended by representatives from DIC Jharsuguda, MSME-DFO, CTTC Bhubaneswar, and local industry associations such as the District Small Scale Industries Association (DISSIA), the Chamber of Commerce, Jharsuguda, and Laghu Udyog Bharati Jharsuguda. Representatives from major industries, including Vedanta Aluminium Ltd., TPSL, L N Metallics Pvt Ltd., and Penguin Trading Agencies, also participated.
The attendees discussed the expected impact of the Extension Center on various sectors, including aluminum, metal, steel, general engineering, fabrication, and plastic.
Arindam Pradhan, General Manager of DIC Jharsuguda, concluded the meeting with a vote of thanks to the participants. He expressed optimism that the new Extension Center will significantly boost the local industrial landscape by fostering innovation, improving production efficiency, and enhancing the competitiveness of Jharsuguda’s MSMEs on a national level.
The establishment of the Extension Center in Jharsuguda is expected to open new avenues for business growth, skill development, and technological advancement in the district.
