The agreement is to build the technical capacity of MSME TDC- Agra to impart trainings and on-site coaching to the MSMEs in the foundry sector. The training covers quality and productivity management under the various Government of India schemes by applying ILO’s SCORE training curriculum. There are nearly 5,000 foundries across the country — largely in the MSME sector. In 17 foundry clusters over 5,00,000 people are directly employed and nearly 1,50,000 people are indirectly employed.

This agreement with MSME TDC — an extension of the MOU signed between ILO and MoMSME in November 2014 — is for a year. The aim is to implement SCORE trainings in 50 foundries by the TDC with government’s support. ILO will help MSME TDC to enhance the effectiveness of the government of India programmes that look at MSME competitiveness.

Paneerselvam Ramaswamy, Principal Director of MSME TDC, Agra, said “We will provide training to ten officials on the SCORE management approach. The Indian economy is dominated by small and micro enterprises. It has the potential to grow into medium sized enterprises. With new market opportunities emerging India is also embracing open market policies. However this means a need for hand-holding and a focus on sustainability. In this context, SCORE is very relevant and is an appropriate tool for the SME development.”

Sher Verick, Deputy Director- Decent Work Team for South Asia and Country Office for India, ILO, said “MSMEs are expected to play a critical role in realizing the ‘Make in India’ vision of the government. Skilled workforce, modern technology —including digitalization and sound management practises —will prove to be key enablers for the MSMEs. Through SCORE and other initiatives, ILO hopes to contribute, even if small, towards government’s efforts in boosting the manufacturing sector growth in India.”