Page 143 - CW E-Magazine (31-10-2023)

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FICCI SME REPORT lighted issues with electricity supply was to revise the classifi cation norm of schemes for SMEs to ensure effective
and land leasing. MSMEs in relation to NPAs from the implementation; further simplifi cation
SMEs seek govt. support to embrace digitisation current limit of 90 days to 180 days. of processes and encouraging self-cer-
The key recommendations for im- tifi cation; creating single window for
and sustainability practices proving the SME eco-system include Other suggestions critical for im- all compliances; easy access to land
improving access to fi nance, especially proving growth and development of and infrastructure in industrial zones;
The FICCI Report on SMEs in costs by 11-20% as a result of digitali- practices into their operations, not only by laying emphasis on cash-fl ow based SMEs in India include regular moni- and create institutional mechanisms for
India was conceptualised to assess the sation. Another 30% indicated that their to meet regulatory requirements, but lending to SMEs. Another suggestion toring and evaluation of government technology transfer.
awareness of and preparedness for digi- annual operational costs had decreased also to improve their competitiveness
talization and sustainability by small by more than 20%. and reputation. DIVERSIFICATION
and medium enterprises (SMEs) from
the manufacturing sector in India. SMEs have also been leveraging The FICCI study shows an over- NLC India exploring possibility of mining critical
It is based on a nationwide survey of e-commerce platforms and online mar- whelming 72% of respondents were gene-
more than 600 SMEs across 14 cities, ketplaces to reach a larger customer rally aware of sustainability and ESG minerals
followed by focussed group discus- base. In terms of online markets and practices. The importance of buyer
sions. The report highlights how SMEs sales platforms, 71% of enterprises support in implementing sustainability NLC India Ltd. is exploring the 1967 so we want to use this core com- rience in the mining of critical minerals
are adapting to the digital transforma- had their own online channels or sales and ESG practices was instrumental as possibility of mining critical minerals, petence in critical minerals also,” he in the domestic market, it will explore
tion taking place and adopting sustain- platforms. Amongst enterprises that 64% of enterprises received guidance including lithium, and will participate in said. The core business of state-owned the possibility overseas also.
ability practices. reported selling through online channel(s), and support from their buyers. the auction of the blocks once they are NLC India is coal and lignite mining
24% reported that more than half on offer, the company’s Chairman and and power generation. The Union Cabinet recently ap-
Digitalisation of SMEs in India (50-75%) of sales came through online Over the past two years, a signifi - Managing Director, Mr. Prasanna Kumar proved royalty rates of 3% each for
Digitalisation has gained traction. platforms like e-commerce platforms cant number of surveyed enterprises Motupalli told PTI in an interview. “We are exploring all the possi- lithium and niobium and 1% for Rare
SMEs in India have been increasingly or own website. Another 39% respon- have taken steps to adopt sustainable bilities and the critical mineral blocks Earth Elements (REEs). The approval
adopting technology and digital solu- dents reported that one-fourth to half practices. The highest proportion of The statement comes at a time auction is yet to come. So once it will will enable the Centre to auction
tions to enhance their competitiveness. of their sales were through such online enterprises (41%) implemented mea- when the government is in the process come we will check the viability of lithium, niobium and REE blocks for
This includes the use of e-commerce platforms. sures to eliminate paper usage, con- of auctioning critical minerals. “NLC the projects where to take, what to take. the fi rst time in the country. The royalty
platforms, digital marketing, cloud serve water (41%), invest in green India has core competence in mining. But we are very serious about moving rate on minerals is an important fi nancial
computing, and automation tools. The study also brings to fore some projects (39%), etc. The respondents ahead in that direction,” he stressed. He consideration for bidders during auction
challenges faced by SMEs in integrat- also highlighted their priority for We have been doing mining since added that once the company gets expe- of mines.
The survey reveals that SMEs have ing technology in business functions, implementing sustainable practices
been utilising digital technology across especially in on-boarding on e-com- over the next two years, which included TRENDS
different business functions, with 60% merce platforms. About 40% of res- usage of renewable energy (36%), and
of enterprises using digital tools for pondents highlighted lack of skilled investment in green projects (35%). India’s mineral production rises 12.3% in August
human resources, 51% for sales and resources and technological expertise The enterprises also reported cost
marketing, and 48% for fi nance. The to effectively integrate and operate savings by transitioning to green and India’s mineral output rose 12.3% Production of important minerals, August 2023
accounting software (such as Tally/ these technologies, as well as limited sustainable practices including water in August as compared to the same [Kilotonnes]
Vyapar/Busy, etc.) and business appli- knowledge of business-specifi c tech- conservation practices. month a year ago, according to the Mineral Production Change over Aug 2022
cations like ERP and CRM were repor- nology solutions. mines ministry. Coal 68,400 17.8%
ted to be the most used digital tools by The respondents also highlighted Lignite 2,800 -5.4%
SMEs. What is noteworthy is that about Sustainability practices by SMEs key impediments faced by SMEs in The index of mineral production Natural gas (utilized) (mn cu.m.) 3,110 9.9%
2.1%
37% of enterprises surveyed were also In recent years, there has been adopting sustainable practices. Majo- of the mining and quarrying sector Petroleum (crude) 2,500 -1.5%
1,428
Bauxite
using cloud-based business applica- a growing emphasis on adoption of rity respondents (42%) have indicated for August 2023 was at 111.9, 12.3% Chromite 148 1.4%
tions such as IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, etc. sustainable practices by SMEs in India. that time constraint is a key challenge higher compared to the year-ago Copper conc. 10 18.9%
By adopting sustainable practices, in adopting sustainability practices, period, as per the provisional fig- Gold (kg) 113 46.8%
Most fi rms have experienced SMEs can mitigate their ecological followed by limited funding (41%) and ures of the Indian Bureau of Mines Iron ore 18,100 14.9%
improvements in productivity and reduc- footprint, optimise resource utilisation, lack of incentives for implementation (IBM). Lead conc. 30 -15.1%
tions in operational costs as a result and minimise waste generation. (41%). Manganese ore 233 36.9%
of incorporating digital technology The cumulative growth for Zinc conc. 132 -4.1%
into their business functions. Approxi- Businesses have recognized the Other issues and suggestions April-August period of this fiscal Limestone 36,500 13.8%
mately 35% of respondents reported importance of integrating Environ- Besides the need for enhancing year over the corresponding period Phosphorite 107 40.7%
a reduction in their annual operational mental, Social, and Governance (ESG) access to fi nance, the SMEs also high- of FY23 is 8.3%. Magnesite 10 4.5%

142 Chemical Weekly October 31, 2023 Chemical Weekly October 31, 2023 143

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