The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of the Government of India organised an awareness programme on Lean Manufacturing Competitiveness scheme at the Surat Diamond Association (SDA) on Friday.

Several diamond entrepreneurs participated in the seminar.

Surat Diamond Association (SDA) president Rohit Mehta said the diamond industry in Surat is well equipped with the latest technology.

With technology changing rapidly, people associated with the industry should also upgrade their knowledge through continuous training. The industry had faced a bleak period last year owing to the slump, and this year there is a great demand, but there is a shortage of skilled workers. The industry will regain its glitter in the days to come, he said.

MSME Director, Ahmedabad, A Patwari shared information about various government schemes and policies and also the treaties taking place in the international arena.

He explained that with such government schemes, the SDA could take facilities and services for its members.

Sirish Paliwal, Deputy Director of the National Productivity Council at Gandhinagar said: “We have explained certain schemes to the unit owners under MSME and under the Lean Manufacturing competitiveness programme, the unit owners should increase their productivity with the availability of various tools in the market and remove the waste from the manufacturing systems.

Even manufacturing consultants are available and benefits can also be taken from them. Steps should be taken to control the production costs and maintain stability in the market.”