iCEMA Articulating Industry Viewpoints Effectively

Amit Gossain
"iCEMA's top agenda is to attract government attention to help industry in this tough economic condition. We are also looking at setting up independent facilities for the industry in collaboration with the government - for e.g. setting up test facilities with the Dept. of Heavy Industry and skilling manpower in India. We will also ensure alignment of industry with Government norms and policies, introduce new technology and best practices enhancement through iCEMA panels. The upcoming mega event, EXCON 2013 will help in setting a positive tone for the industry," says Mr. Amit Gossain, President iCEMA and EVP - Marketing, Business Development & Corporate Affairs, JCB India Ltd., in an interview with S.A.Faridi.

Coinciding with Excon 2013, iCEMA organizes conferences on the frontal issues confronting the CE industry. What is the agenda of such conferences this year and their participation profile?

Excon is one of the most popular exhibitions for the Construction Equipment industry in Asia. The event is a perfect platform to exchange information with domestic as well as international players. On the sidelines of the exhibition, we also planned a two-day conference.

The central theme for this conference is "Propelling Sustainable Infrastructure Development." This conference will focus on tabling the challenges and discussing ways to achieve accelerated growth and utilise the opportunities that lie ahead. The discussion will mainly be focused on current scenario and future trends, market opportunities and gaps in key end use sectors of Earthmoving & Construction Equipment (ECE) - Roads & Railways, Urban infrastructure, Irrigation, etc.

Equipment manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, industry end-users, service providers and financiers etc. will be part of this conference.

How over the years the deliberations of such conferences have helped articulate CE industry's concerns in various government and industry foray?

During these conferences and CEs meets, there are senior Government bureaucrats, senior executives from large organisations and other think tanks of the industry who dwell on issues confronting the industry to create an enabling environment for the growth and well being of the industry and its stakeholders.

Ideas are collated and then put forth in a format. There is a Q&A and open house discussion with the large audience as well.

What are the CE industry issues on the iCEMA's top agenda to attract government attention to help in this tough economic condition?

Our primary objective is to work closely with government and project authorities to drive infrastructure development. We are also looking at setting up independent facilities for the industry in collaboration with the government - for e.g. setting up test facilities with the Dept. of Heavy Industry and skilling manpower in India.

Other than this, we will also ensure alignment of industry with Government norms and policies, introduce new technology and best practices enhancement through iCEMA panels.

We are also working with the government to include certain products under Focus Product Scheme (FPS). Currently, we are only utilizing 50% of the total production capacity of the industry and through FPS, we aim to incentivize export and reduce India's current account deficit, both are good for the country and industry.

Certification of Equipment like definition of performance, safety and operation is a big issue as there is no specific/unified guideline, and everyone interprets it as per their own preferences and understanding, hence there is a lot of confusion among end users; what are your suggestions on the same?

A certification body for the Construction Equipment industry will help in solving these issues. Currently, we have CMVR (Central Motor Vehicle Rules) certification given by ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) for all the wheeled equipment. For tracked equipment, as they do not ply on roads, we do not have an industry authority to provide any kind of certification - be it in terms of product, safety, emissions etc.

iCEMA has been closely interacting with the Department of Heavy Industry and other organization for setting up an independent test centre for construction equipment industry. This test facility will also serve as a training ground for service engineers thus, improving the overall customer support.

There is a dearth of skilled manpower/operators in the industry. Don't you think there is a dire need of a collective approach from the CE industry to address this issue?

Lack of skilled manpower is one of the prime concerns for the industry. According to the ICEMA-CII- Accenture Vision 2020 report, by 2020, the industry would require over 2 million skilled personnel for the maintenance and operation of equipment which is over and above the workforce employed at present.

To meet this burgeoning demand, iCEMA has submitted its proposal to National Skill Development Corporation for setting up Sector Skill Council for the Construction Equipment Industry. The National Skill Development Council (NSDC) facilitates the development and upgrading of the skills of the growing Indian workforce through skill training programs.

icema meeting

Once we have an approval from NSDC, we should have lot of centres for training of operators and mechanics which will enhance the safety, productivity of the operator and quality of infrastructure. It will help in generating employment and thus, it will be positive for the industry, infrastructure and economy.

There is a view that both government as well as industry is worrying too much on the fall of the rupee, current account deficit, external borrowings etc. In such situations, don't you think that all need to focus on manufacturing and rejuvenating supply and demand to offset these problems which are more driven by speculations?

Our concentration should certainly be on reviving the manufacturing and demand supply scenario however, weak rupee, high interest rates, drop in investments do play a critical role in deciding the next course of action.

Government's help with Export for e.g. through Focused Product Scheme will go a long way in setting a positive tone in the industry.

The upcoming mega event, EXCON 2013 will help in setting up a positive tone for the industry. This year edition will focus on ensuring inclusive growth for the economy apart from focusing on the national imperatives of energy efficiency, containing pollution emissions, encouraging localization, promoting exports for the sustainable industrial growth.
NBM&CW November 2013
Trimble: Revolutionizing Construction Projects with Smart Technology

Trimble: Revolutionizing Construction Projects with Smart Technology

With its smart technology, Trimble is helping contractors manage construction projects on time, improve equipment efficiency, bring higher productivity, worker safety, and complete project economically with desired quality.

Read more ...

Terex Brand Finlay: Application-Driven Crushing & Screening Solutions

Terex Brand Finlay: Application-Driven Crushing & Screening Solutions

Alan Witherow, Product & Applications Manager, Finlay in an interview with P.P. Basistha on the sidelines of Texcon 2023, informed that Finlay, a Terex product brand, is working towards making the crushing and screening solutions more

Read more ...

Jaso India Prioritising Customer's Satisfaction with Reliable Cranes

Jaso India Prioritising Customer's Satisfaction with Reliable Cranes

“Our cranes are designed as per FEM regulations and are equipped with all the necessary safety features required for safe operations. Our aim is to be trusted and reliable material lifting partner for our customers.” Vishal Sharma, Managing Director

Read more ...

Agrani Enterprises Waterproofing Infrastructure for Longevity & Safety

Agrani Enterprises Waterproofing Infrastructure for Longevity & Safety

“Embracing technological advancements can ultimately lead to more efficient and cost-effective construction practices. This is because the integration of technology in construction companies, particularly in waterproofing, repair, and retrofitting

Read more ...

3D Concrete Printing Workshop with Live Demos

3D Concrete Printing Workshop with Live Demos

Advances in robotics, materials science, and digital design have paved the way for the development of sophisticated 3D concrete printing systems capable of constructing large-scale structures with precision and efficiency. Dr. Vishal Thombare

Read more ...

Jal Shakti Restoring Water To The People of India

Jal Shakti Restoring Water To The People of India

Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister, Jal Shakti, shares with S.A.Faridi & Maria R, the challenges and initiatives being taken by the ministry towards effective water management and availability of safe drinking water for India’s burgeoning

Read more ...

Dam Safety Society: Scientific, Technological & Systematic Management

Dam Safety Society: Scientific, Technological & Systematic Management

Dams are critical infrastructure for storing water for a variety of uses like drinking, irrigation, power generation, industrial, domestic, and recreational uses. Managing the precious water assets requires systematic management and

Read more ...

Powerscreen: Strong & Reliable Electric & Hybrid Crushing Machines

Powerscreen: Strong & Reliable Electric & Hybrid Crushing Machines

Powerscreen is actively engaging with its customers to glean information on their job requirements and suggestions, and accordingly making enhancements in its products like Electric & Hybrid Crushing Machines, making them more

Read more ...

Sany India: Batch Mix Plants, Excavators, Cranes & Pilig Rigs

Sany India: Batch Mix Plants, Excavators, Cranes & Pilig Rigs

This achievement is a testament to SANY India’s commitment to provide high–quality, reliable and innovative equipment to the Indian market. Surpassing 30,000 machines operating across India fills us with immense pride. This significant milestone

Read more ...

Paving The Way for More Efficient And Timely Construction & Manufacturing Processes

Paving The Way for More Efficient And Timely Construction & Manufacturing Processes

Transformation of the infrastructure industry is vital for mitigation of climate challenges and the Blue-Green infrastructure offers a sustainable and self-healing solution for the problem at hand, informs Nikhil Jain, CEO, Qubik Group

Read more ...

MCOS Global: Solutions to Reduce Project Delays & Achieve Sustainability

MCOS Global: Solutions to Reduce Project Delays & Achieve Sustainability

Subhashis Kar, Managing Director, MCOS Global presents possible solutions and measures to effectively reduce delays in infra construction projects and bring sustainability in urban developments. MCOS Global is a prominent player

Read more ...

EXCON 2023: Showcasing Construction Industry’s Resilience and Vibrancy

EXCON 2023: Showcasing Construction Industry’s Resilience and Vibrancy

I am sure that a lot of excitement and enthusiasm is building up for the coming week when EXCON 2023, one of the largest construction equipment and technology trade fairs in the world, will open its door to welcome all the

Read more ...

Shri Gadkari discusses on road construction policies, technologies, challenges

Shri Gadkari discusses on road construction policies, technologies, challenges

In a prelude to EXCON 2023, Hon’ble Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, discusses with S. A. Faridi,Group Managing Editor, various aspects of road construction including policies

Read more ...

ICEMA: equipment industry growth prospect, challenges, training etc

ICEMA: equipment industry growth prospect, challenges, training etc

V. Vivekanand, President - ICEMA and Managing Director - Caterpillar India, shares his views on the growth prospects of India’s construction equipment industry and the need for it to embrace higher technology standards to solidify its position

Read more ...

BAI working on construction technologies, sustainability, standardization

BAI working on construction technologies, sustainability, standardization

According to S. Narsimha Reddy, President, Builders’ Association of India, modern construction technologies, use of sustainable building materials and standardisation are important for achieving project completion timelines

Read more ...

COAOI creating favorable environment for crane rental companies

COAOI creating favorable environment for crane rental companies

COAOI engages with the government and relevant stakeholders to promote a more conducive business environment so that crane rental companies can operate efficiently and contribute to the nation’s infrastructure development while maintaining safety

Read more ...

CERA: rental co. instrumental in construction equipment industry growth

CERA: rental co. instrumental in construction equipment industry growth

Rentals are paving the way forward for the construction equipment industry, and to ensure long-term resilience and growth, we are championing initiatives like unity, standardization, and commitment to fair practices

Read more ...

JCB India: Hi-tech Excavators, Telehandlers, Backhoe Loaders & AWP

JCB India: Hi-tech Excavators, Telehandlers, Backhoe Loaders & AWP

JCB is a leading construction equipment manufacturer with a comprehensive range of products that include mini excavators, skid steer loaders, telehandlers backhoe loaders, access platforms, compactors, excavators

Read more ...

Volvo CE: Time-Tested Excavators, Compactors & Asphalt Pavers

Volvo CE: Time-Tested Excavators, Compactors & Asphalt Pavers

Volvo CE started its India operations in 1998 to manufacture crawler excavators, soil compactors, and asphalt pavers. In 2022, it introduced time-tested quality machines like the EC300DL BH, custom-built for quarries, and Volvo EC480D

Read more ...

Wirtgen: Advanced Road Construction, Crushing & Screeing Equipment

Wirtgen: Advanced Road Construction, Crushing & Screeing Equipment

With its various product brands WIRTGEN, VÖGELE, HAMM, KLEEMANN and BENNINGHOVEN, the WIRTGEN GROUP covers the entire road construction process chain from processing, mixing, paving, compacting, and road rehabilitation to

Read more ...

To get latest updates on whatsapp, Save +91 93545 87773 and send us a 'Saved' message
Click Here to Subscribe to Our eNewsletter.