R& D & Innovation key to Ceramic and Glass Industry’s growth - Rajendra Pareek

Research chair with a corpus of Rs 1 crore announced

“Ceramic and Glass Industry should focus strongly on R & D and innovation and bring out new products to the Indian and the world markets to grow to their full potential. There is a dire need to adopt the latest technologies, machinery and techniques to sustain in the current scenario”, emphasized Shri Rajendra Pareek, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Government of Rajasthan here today, while inaugurating the 2^nd CeraGlass 2012. It is being jointly organized by Rajasthan State Industrial Development & Investment Corporation Ltd (RIICO), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and The Indian Ceramic Society (ICS). Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India is the co partner while the Government of Rajasthan is supporting the event.

“We have set up a research Chair to encourage R & D in the industry. We will provide funding of Rs 1 crore for it,” Mr Pareek further shared.

“We need to change the mindset and invest in research to bring out latest products in ceramic and glass sector with distinct characteristics and better durability. We are keen to encourage the industry to get into research and development in their own units so that they can compete with the best in the industry at global level,” the minister added.

“This will lead to opening up of new markets in India as well. In Rajasthan itself we have the Affordable Housing Scheme and its a tremendous opportunity for those who can provide good quality products at low cost,” he said.

“In Rajasthan, we have the best conditions for the ceramic industry – abundant raw material, connectivity and the latest technology, what we need is commitment to innovate,” he added.

Shri Pareek expressed concern about projects delays due to environmental clearances. “Environment clearances are necessary but many times, this delays the projects and the cost escalates. The industry should find ways to discuss and look for solutions so that such delays do not happen. “Non-polluting technologies are already available for adaptation. For example, zero discharge and recycling of surface water is an excellent option,” he stressed.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Sunil Arora, Principal Secretary, Industries and Chairman RIICO said that the proposed ceramic hub in Ghilot near Neemrana is in an advanced stage of being launched. “We are sure that within six months, the entire area will see entry of large ceramic and glass players”,” he said.

He said the state government was making all-out efforts for natural piped gas supply for the ceramic and glass industry. “Ghilot will soon have full gas supply, but we want that piped gas be provided to every single area where ceramic industries are situated,” he added.

Shri Naveen Mahajan, Managing Director, RIICO.thanked Shri Pareek for taking the initiative to set up the research chair. He said RIICO is making all out efforts to promote the Industry. “We want that CeraGlass would become one of the most comprehensive platforms for all sections of the Industry in the International arena,”. He said to address the fuel needs of industry RIICO had invited GAIL to participate in CeraGlass and organised an interactive session with entrepreneurs,. “The session will give the industry and opportunity to discuss how they can receive piped gas for their units.

Mr Jayant Davar, Deputy Chairman, CII Northern Region highlighted that “the Government of India’s is strongly focusing on reviving the manufacturing sector. Under its initiative of National Manufacturing Plan, various National Manufacturing Investment Zones (NMIZs) would be established. First such zone is being setup at Rajasthan. (NMIZs) will provide the much needed fillip to the industry and help in achieving the target of creating 100 million jobs in manufacturing industry and increasing the contribution of industry towards GDP to 25% by 2022”.

Mr Shreekant Somany, Co-Chairman, CeraGlass India and Chairman & Managing Director, Somany Ceramics Ltd pointed that “Ceramics and Glass is a sector wherein Rajasthan enjoys competitive advantages. The state is endowed with rich reserves of ceramic materials, proposed piped Natural Gas for the industry, proximity to Delhi and being part of NCR gives access to a huge consumer market, and DMIC with excellent logistics & transportation infrastructure will further boost this industry in the state”. “We however need to rapidly upgrade and adopt new technologies and market ourselves well”, he added.

“The Buyer Seller Meet for ceramics, glass and allied products will be organised by CAPEXIL, a premier export promotion council, set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. As many as 25 buyers are expected from countries which include Bangladesh, Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Germany, Hungary, Iraq, Latvia, Namibia, Niger, Sri Lanka, Tanzania & Uganda among others”, he added.

Mr Pikender Pal Singh, Regional Director, CII NR shared that “CERAGLASS INDIA’ would provide a brilliant opportunity to all the stakeholders to showcase and learn about the latest technologies, products and services in this sector. The show has also attracted overseas participation of companies from countries like Italy, China, France, Germany and Korea in addition to Indian states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi”.

“Yet another special feature of the event is the ‘Cera Haat’. It will be a lively and vibrant space which will provide interaction with the artisans. It will promote and display the hand made products from traditional ceramics, pottery and glass clusters which will include glass work, bangles and even blue pottery. The artisans would even share their interesting processes”, Mr Singh added.

Some of the leading brands participating in fair are Kajaria Ceramics, Somany Ceramics, H & R Johnson, Modena, SACMI, Gas Authority of India Ltd, Hindware, Bharat Potteries, Data Ceramics, Shree Cement, Wonder Cement, RSMM, Foshan Aosibo, Sung in Decoma, Imerys, Wistra, Eirich, Foshan, Modern Insulators, Golcha Microm, Saint Gobain, Lloyd Insulations, Wam India, RUDA, RSMM and Unifrax.