(a) whether the Government have constituted a Group of Ministers for formulation an integrated and balanced package of policy measures necessary to strengthen the Small Scale Industries Sector and also for selective de-reservation in respect of certain projects presently reserved for the Small Scale Industries sector;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any recommendations have been made by GOM and received by the Union Government; and
(d) the reaction of the Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES AND AGRO AND RURAL INDUSTRIES (SMT. VASUNDHARA RAJE)
(a) & (b): A Group of Ministers was constituted on 28th June 2000 under the Chairmanship of Shri L.K. Advani, Minister of Home affairs, with the Minister of Commerce & Industry, Minister of Textiles, Minister of Finance, Deputy Chairman (Planning Commission) and Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Small Scale Industries & Agro and Rural Industries, with the following terms of reference:-
i) After consideration of various recommendations including the specific suggestions made by the Ministry of SSI&ARI, to formulate an integrated and balanced package of policy measures necessary to strengthen SSI sector in the context of dismantling of QRs and consequent increase in international competition, and
ii) to consider and evolve a road map for selective dereservation in respect of certain products presently reserved for SSI sector, as may be considered for enabling a phased and orderly transition and increasing national competitiveness.
As part of its deliberations, the Group also considered the interim recommendations of Dr. S.P. Gupta Study Group.
(c): Yes, Sir.
(d): Based on the recommendations of the Group of Ministers, a comprehensive policy package for Small Scale Industries was announced on 30th and 31st August 2000 during the National Conference on Small Scale Industries.