Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi Visits CTTC and Pharmaceutical Cluster in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Jitan Ram Manjhi, visited the Central Tool Room and Training Centre (CTTC) and the Pharmaceutical Cluster at Mancheswar Industrial Estate in Bhubaneswar today. The visit aimed to review progress and assess the impact of key MSME initiatives in Odisha, with a focus on technological advancement and sectoral growth.

Accompanying the Minister were senior officials from the Ministry of MSME, including Dr. Rajneesh (IAS), Additional Secretary & Development Commissioner (MSME); Sudha Keshari (IES), Additional Development Commissioner (MSME); D. Prasanth Kumar Reddy (IAS), Director of Industries, Government of Odisha; and Milind Dharmrao Ramteke (IAS), Director, Office of Development Commissioner (MSME).

At the CTTC, Manjhi received a detailed presentation from L. Rajasekhar, General Manager, on the Centre’s pioneering initiatives, achievements, and client base. Recognized as the best-performing technology centre under the Ministry of MSME, CTTC Bhubaneswar serves high-profile organizations such as ISRO, DRDO, ADA, and TATA Motors.

The Minister toured the facility, interacted with trainees, and reviewed advanced training and manufacturing units. He expressed admiration for the Centre’s role in developing components for Chandrayaan-3, the LCA-Tejas fighter aircraft project, and its ongoing contributions to India’s upcoming Gaganyaan Mission.

Manjhi lauded the dedication of CTTC in building India’s technological capabilities while empowering youth through hands-on skill development.

Following the CTTC visit, the Minister visited the Pharmaceutical Cluster at Mancheswar Industrial Estate, a Common Facility Centre (CFC) established under the MSE-CDP Scheme of the Ministry. Supported by the Government of Odisha, the cluster is managed by the Utkal Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (UPMA) as the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).

The CFC offers critical services such as advanced product testing, quality assurance, regulatory compliance support, research facilities, and training programs, enabling local MSMEs to scale up their production, improve quality standards, and reduce dependency on external labs.

Manjhi appreciated the role of UPMA and praised the CFC for significantly enhancing the export readiness and competitiveness of the pharmaceutical sector in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to boosting self-reliance in key industrial sectors, encouraging local manufacturing, and supporting the growth of MSMEs through such integrated facilities.

“These centres are not just infrastructures; they are the backbone of India’s MSME ecosystem and innovation-driven economy,” Manjhi noted during his interaction with stakeholders.