Clusters and clusters development · One-liners

1 What is an industrial cluster in the context of MSME development?

An industrial cluster is a geographic concentration of interconnected businesses, suppliers, service providers, and associated institutions in a particular field, linked by commonalities and complementarities.

2 What is the Marshall's concept of external economies as applied to industrial clusters?

Cost advantages arising from geographic concentration of similar firms.

औद्योगिक क्लस्टरों पर लागू बाहरी अर्थव्यवस्थाओं की मार्शल की अवधारणा क्या है? — समान फर्मों की भौगोलिक एकाग्रता से उत्पन्न लागत लाभ।

3 Which government ministry is the nodal ministry for MSME cluster development in India?

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) is the nodal ministry for cluster development initiatives in India.

4 What is an 'anchor unit' in the context of an MSME cluster?

A large firm that drives growth and linkages in the cluster.

MSME क्लस्टर के संदर्भ में 'एंकर यूनिट' क्या है? — एक बड़ी फर्म जो क्लस्टर में विकास और संबंध स्थापित करती है।

5 What is the Micro and Small Enterprises Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP)?

MSE-CDP is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of MSME that supports establishment of Common Facility Centres (CFCs), infrastructure development, and soft interventions to enhance the competitiveness of clusters.

6 What is the minimum number of units generally required under MSE-CDP for a mini cluster?

At least 20 units to qualify as a mini cluster.

MSE-CDP के तहत मिनी क्लस्टर के लिए न्यूनतम कितनी इकाइयाँ आवश्यक हैं? — मिनी क्लस्टर के लिए कम से कम 20 इकाइयाँ आवश्यक हैं।

7 What is a Common Facility Centre (CFC) in cluster development?

A Common Facility Centre is a shared infrastructure facility set up within a cluster to provide common services such as testing, quality certification, design, training, and machining to member MSMEs at affordable costs.

8 What does 'horizontal networking' mean in MSME cluster development?

Collaboration among similar firms at the same production stage.

MSME क्लस्टर विकास में 'क्षैतिज नेटवर्किंग' का क्या अर्थ है? — एक ही उत्पादन चरण पर समान फर्मों के बीच सहयोग।

9 What is the maximum government grant permissible for setting up a Common Facility Centre under MSE-CDP?

The maximum government grant for a CFC under MSE-CDP is 70% of the project cost, subject to a ceiling of Rs. 10 crore per CFC; for special category states and clusters of women/SC/ST entrepreneurs, the grant can be up to 90%.

10 What is 'vertical integration' in the context of MSME cluster supply chains?

Linkages between firms at different stages of the production chain.

MSME क्लस्टर आपूर्ति श्रृंखलाओं के संदर्भ में 'ऊर्ध्वाधर एकीकरण' क्या है? — उत्पादन श्रृंखला के विभिन्न चरणों में फर्मों के बीच संबंध।

11 What does the term 'soft intervention' mean in cluster development?

Soft interventions refer to non-infrastructure activities in a cluster such as capacity building, skill development, exposure visits, training programmes, market development, and formation of cluster-level associations or SPVs.

12 What is the SFURTI scheme and which ministry implements it?

Scheme for Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries; Ministry of MSME.

SFURTI योजना क्या है और इसे कौन सा मंत्रालय लागू करता है? — पारंपरिक उद्योगों के पुनरुद्धार की योजना; MSME मंत्रालय।

13 What is the role of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in cluster development?

An SPV is a legal entity, typically a registered society, trust, or company, formed by cluster members to own, manage, and operate the Common Facility Centre and undertake collective development activities.

14 What type of clusters does the SFURTI scheme specifically target?

Traditional and artisan clusters like khadi, coir, and bamboo.

SFURTI योजना विशेष रूप से किस प्रकार के क्लस्टरों को लक्षित करती है? — पारंपरिक और कारीगर क्लस्टर जैसे खादी, कॉयर और बांस।

15 What is a 'cluster diagnostic study' and why is it conducted?

A cluster diagnostic study is an assessment exercise to map the cluster's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT), identify gaps, and formulate a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for targeted interventions.

16 What is the maximum project cost for a heritage cluster under SFURTI?

Up to Rs. 5 crore for heritage/major clusters.

SFURTI के तहत हेरिटेज क्लस्टर के लिए अधिकतम परियोजना लागत क्या है? — हेरिटेज/प्रमुख क्लस्टरों के लिए 5 करोड़ रुपये तक।

17 How many MSMEs are typically required to form a cluster for purposes of government scheme eligibility?

Generally, a minimum of 50 MSMEs in a geographically contiguous area engaged in similar or related activities are required to qualify as a cluster for government scheme interventions.

18 What role does an Implementing Agency (IA) play under SFURTI?

Mobilizes artisans, prepares DPR, and executes cluster interventions.

SFURTI के तहत कार्यान्वयन एजेंसी (IA) की क्या भूमिका है? — कारीगरों को एकत्रित करती है, DPR तैयार करती है और क्लस्टर हस्तक्षेप करती है।

19 What is the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (NMCP) and its link to clusters?

NMCP is a government initiative aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Indian manufacturing, and several of its components directly support cluster-level activities such as Lean Manufacturing, Design Clinics, and Quality Management Standards.

20 What is a 'Detailed Diagnostic Study (DDS)' in cluster development?

In-depth analysis of cluster strengths, weaknesses, and intervention needs.

क्लस्टर विकास में 'विस्तृत नैदानिक अध्ययन (DDS)' क्या है? — क्लस्टर की ताकत, कमजोरियों और हस्तक्षेप की जरूरतों का गहन विश्लेषण।

21 What are 'hard interventions' in the context of MSME cluster development?

Hard interventions refer to physical infrastructure projects within a cluster, including construction of CFC buildings, procurement of machinery, creation of flatted factory complexes, and development of industrial estate infrastructure.

22 What is 'co-opetition' in the context of MSME clusters?

Simultaneous cooperation and competition among cluster firms.

MSME क्लस्टरों के संदर्भ में 'को-ऑपिटिशन' क्या है? — क्लस्टर फर्मों के बीच एक साथ सहयोग और प्रतिस्पर्धा।

23 What is the purpose of the cluster development approach compared to individual firm assistance?

The cluster approach enables collective action, economies of scale, shared infrastructure, and systemic upgrading, making interventions more cost-effective and impactful than assisting individual firms in isolation.

24 What is the concept of 'industrial district' as described by Giacomo Becattini?

A socio-territorial entity with active community of people and firms.

जियाकोमो बेकाटिनी द्वारा वर्णित 'औद्योगिक जिले' की अवधारणा क्या है? — लोगों और फर्मों के सक्रिय समुदाय वाली एक सामाजिक-क्षेत्रीय इकाई।

25 Which institution is responsible for implementing cluster development programmes on behalf of the Ministry of MSME?

The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) and the Office of Development Commissioner (MSME) along with State governments and designated implementing agencies oversee and implement cluster development programmes.

26 What is the primary benefit of a Common Facility Centre for cluster MSMEs?

Shared access to expensive machinery and testing equipment.

क्लस्टर MSMEs के लिए कॉमन फैसिलिटी सेंटर का प्राथमिक लाभ क्या है? — महंगी मशीनरी और परीक्षण उपकरणों तक साझा पहुंच।

27 What is a 'cluster development executive' or cluster facilitator?

A cluster development executive or facilitator is a professional appointed to catalyse collective action within a cluster, build trust among members, coordinate diagnostic studies, and facilitate implementation of development plans.

28 Under MSE-CDP, what is the government grant percentage for CFCs in general areas?

Up to 70% of project cost as government grant.

MSE-CDP के तहत सामान्य क्षेत्रों में CFCs के लिए सरकारी अनुदान प्रतिशत क्या है? — परियोजना लागत का 70% तक सरकारी अनुदान।

29 Name any three major traditional MSME clusters in India.

Notable traditional MSME clusters include Tiruppur (hosiery/knitwear, Tamil Nadu), Moradabad (brassware, Uttar Pradesh), and Ludhiana (woollen knitwear and bicycle parts, Punjab).

30 What is the enhanced government grant percentage for CFCs in NE and hill states under MSE-CDP?

Up to 90% of project cost as government grant.

MSE-CDP के तहत NE और पहाड़ी राज्यों में CFCs के लिए बढ़ा हुआ सरकारी अनुदान प्रतिशत क्या है? — परियोजना लागत का 90% तक सरकारी अनुदान।

31 What is the significance of the UNIDO approach to cluster development adopted in India?

The UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) approach emphasizes public-private partnership, trust building, collective efficiency, and staged interventions, and it provided the conceptual framework for India's MSE-CDP and related schemes.

32 What is a 'technology business incubator' in the MSME cluster context?

A facility that nurtures new technology-based MSME startups.

MSME क्लस्टर संदर्भ में 'टेक्नोलॉजी बिजनेस इन्क्यूबेटर' क्या है? — नई प्रौद्योगिकी-आधारित MSME स्टार्टअप को पोषित करने वाली सुविधा।

33 What financial support is available under MSE-CDP for infrastructure development in clusters?

Under MSE-CDP, government grant of up to 60% of the project cost (maximum Rs. 10 crore) is available for infrastructure development projects such as roads, drainage, power supply, and water within industrial areas or clusters.

34 What is 'backward linkage' in the value chain of an MSME cluster?

Connections to raw material and input suppliers for cluster firms.

MSME क्लस्टर की मूल्य श्रृंखला में 'बैकवर्ड लिंकेज' क्या है? — क्लस्टर फर्मों के लिए कच्चे माल और इनपुट आपूर्तिकर्ताओं से संबंध।

35 What is 'collective efficiency' in the context of industrial clusters?

Collective efficiency refers to the competitive advantage gained by firms in a cluster through joint action and external economies, including spillovers of knowledge, specialised labour pools, and co-operative marketing.

36 What is 'forward linkage' in an MSME cluster value chain?

Connections to markets, distributors, and end customers from cluster.

MSME क्लस्टर मूल्य श्रृंखला में 'फॉरवर्ड लिंकेज' क्या है? — क्लस्टर से बाजारों, वितरकों और अंतिम ग्राहकों से संबंध।

37 How does clustering help MSMEs overcome the disadvantage of small size?

Clustering enables MSMEs to pool resources, share infrastructure and technology, jointly access markets, bargain collectively for raw materials, and benefit from knowledge spillovers, compensating for scale disadvantages of individual small firms.

38 What is a 'cluster fund' and how does it benefit MSME financing?

Pooled corpus enabling group lending to cluster units at lower risk.

'क्लस्टर फंड' क्या है और यह MSME वित्तपोषण को कैसे लाभ देता है? — समूह उधार को सक्षम करने वाला पूल्ड कोष जो कम जोखिम पर क्लस्टर इकाइयों को ऋण देता है।

39 What is a 'flatted factory complex' and how does it relate to cluster development?

A flatted factory complex is a multi-storey industrial building where manufacturing units share common services and infrastructure; it is promoted under cluster development to house MSMEs in land-scarce urban areas.

40 What is the significance of 'trust' as social capital in MSME cluster functioning?

Reduces transaction costs and enables informal credit among cluster members.

MSME क्लस्टर कार्यप्रणाली में सामाजिक पूंजी के रूप में 'विश्वास' का क्या महत्व है? — लेनदेन लागत कम करता है और क्लस्टर सदस्यों के बीच अनौपचारिक ऋण को सक्षम बनाता है।

41 What is the role of SIDBI in cluster financing?

SIDBI supports MSME clusters through dedicated cluster-based lending programmes, credit guarantee, refinancing of bank loans to cluster units, and technical assistance to improve credit absorption capacity of cluster enterprises.

42 What are 'meso-level institutions' in cluster development support systems?

Industry associations, BDS providers, and local training institutions.

क्लस्टर विकास समर्थन प्रणालियों में 'मेसो-स्तरीय संस्थान' क्या हैं? — उद्योग संघ, BDS प्रदाता और स्थानीय प्रशिक्षण संस्थान।

43 What are the key objectives of the Technology Centre Systems Programme (TCSP) in relation to clusters?

TCSP aims to establish new Technology Centres and extension centres across India to provide common technology, testing, training, and incubation services, directly supporting MSME clusters in upgrading their manufacturing capabilities.

44 What is the concept of 'agglomeration economies' in industrial clusters?

Cost savings arising when firms cluster together geographically.

औद्योगिक क्लस्टरों में 'समूहीकरण अर्थव्यवस्थाओं' की अवधारणा क्या है? — जब फर्में भौगोलिक रूप से एक साथ इकट्ठा होती हैं तो लागत बचत होती है।

45 What is meant by 'value chain development' in MSME clusters?

Value chain development in clusters involves improving linkages between suppliers, producers, traders, and buyers within the cluster ecosystem to enhance efficiency, product quality, and market access across the entire production chain.

46 How many artisan clusters approximately exist in India according to MSME estimates?

Approximately 6,400 artisan clusters spread across India.

MSME अनुमान के अनुसार भारत में लगभग कितने कारीगर क्लस्टर हैं? — भारत में लगभग 6,400 कारीगर क्लस्टर फैले हुए हैं।

47 How does the SFURTI scheme complement MSE-CDP for cluster development?

SFURTI (Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries) focuses on traditional and khadi clusters, providing similar CFC and soft intervention support to artisan-based industries, complementing MSE-CDP which covers broader manufacturing clusters.

48 What is the role of a 'cluster development agent' under UNIDO methodology?

External facilitator who builds trust and initiates collective action.

UNIDO पद्धति के तहत 'क्लस्टर विकास एजेंट' की क्या भूमिका है? — बाहरी सूत्रधार जो विश्वास बनाता है और सामूहिक कार्रवाई शुरू करता है।

49 What is meant by 'mapping of clusters' in national MSME policy?

Cluster mapping involves systematic identification, cataloguing, and profiling of industrial concentrations across the country to prioritise government intervention, allocate resources, and track development outcomes.

50 What is 'bench-marking' in the context of cluster development?

Comparing cluster performance against best practices or competitor clusters.

क्लस्टर विकास के संदर्भ में 'बेंच-मार्किंग' क्या है? — सर्वोत्तम प्रथाओं या प्रतिस्पर्धी क्लस्टरों के खिलाफ क्लस्टर प्रदर्शन की तुलना।

51 What percentage of India's MSME exports is estimated to originate from cluster-based enterprises?

It is estimated that approximately 60-70% of India's MSME exports originate from cluster-based enterprises, underscoring the critical role of clusters in India's export competitiveness.

52 What is the National Programme for Rural Industrialisation (NPRI) link to clusters?

NPRI promotes rural cluster development to create employment in villages.

ग्रामीण औद्योगिकीकरण के राष्ट्रीय कार्यक्रम (NPRI) का क्लस्टरों से क्या संबंध है? — NPRI गांवों में रोजगार सृजन के लिए ग्रामीण क्लस्टर विकास को बढ़ावा देता है।

53 What is the importance of trust-building in the initial stages of cluster development?

Trust-building is foundational because MSMEs in a cluster are often competitors who are reluctant to share information or resources; without mutual trust, collective action for joint infrastructure, procurement, or marketing cannot be sustained.

54 What is a 'product cluster' versus a 'process cluster' in MSME terminology?

Product cluster makes final goods; process cluster performs specific manufacturing steps.

MSME शब्दावली में 'उत्पाद क्लस्टर' और 'प्रक्रिया क्लस्टर' में क्या अंतर है? — उत्पाद क्लस्टर अंतिम वस्तुएं बनाता है; प्रक्रिया क्लस्टर विशिष्ट निर्माण चरण करता है।

55 How are banks expected to support MSME clusters under RBI guidelines?

RBI has encouraged banks to adopt cluster-based lending approaches, develop sector-specific knowledge for major clusters, and offer tailored financial products including working capital and term loans suited to the common requirements of cluster enterprises.

56 What is the function of a 'steering committee' in a cluster development programme?

Oversees programme implementation, approves plans, and monitors progress.

क्लस्टर विकास कार्यक्रम में 'संचालन समिति' का क्या कार्य है? — कार्यक्रम कार्यान्वयन की निगरानी, योजनाओं को मंजूरी और प्रगति की निगरानी।

57 What is a 'Detailed Project Report (DPR)' in the context of CFC under MSE-CDP?

A DPR is a comprehensive document prepared by the SPV/implementing agency detailing the technical, financial, and organisational aspects of the proposed CFC, required for appraisal and sanction of government grant under MSE-CDP.

58 What is 'technology up-gradation' as a cluster intervention objective?

Modernising production processes and adopting new machinery in clusters.

क्लस्टर हस्तक्षेप उद्देश्य के रूप में 'प्रौद्योगिकी उन्नयन' क्या है? — उत्पादन प्रक्रियाओं को आधुनिक बनाना और क्लस्टरों में नई मशीनरी अपनाना।

59 What is the significance of geographical concentration in defining an MSME cluster?

Geographical concentration is central to cluster definition because proximity facilitates face-to-face interaction, information sharing, specialised labour markets, and localised supply chains, all of which generate the collective efficiency that distinguishes a cluster from a dispersed sector.

60 What is the significance of Tiruppur as an MSME cluster in India?

Major knitwear/hosiery export cluster in Tamil Nadu worth billions.

भारत में MSME क्लस्टर के रूप में तिरुपुर का क्या महत्व है? — तमिलनाडु में प्रमुख निटवेयर/होजरी निर्यात क्लस्टर जो अरबों का है।

61 What is Ludhiana famous for as an MSME industrial cluster?

Ludhiana is India's largest hosiery and bicycle manufacturing cluster.

MSME औद्योगिक क्लस्टर के रूप में लुधियाना किसके लिए प्रसिद्ध है? — लुधियाना भारत का सबसे बड़ा होजरी और साइकिल निर्माण क्लस्टर है।

62 What is the Moradabad cluster famous for in the context of MSME exports?

Brass metalware and handicraft exports known as the 'Brass City'.

MSME निर्यात के संदर्भ में मुरादाबाद क्लस्टर किसके लिए प्रसिद्ध है? — पीतल धातुकला और हस्तशिल्प निर्यात जिसे 'पीतल नगरी' कहा जाता है।

63 What is the Surat cluster in Gujarat known for in the MSME sector?

Diamond cutting, polishing, and textile/synthetic fabric manufacturing.

MSME क्षेत्र में गुजरात में सूरत क्लस्टर किसके लिए जाना जाता है? — हीरा कटाई, पॉलिशिंग और टेक्सटाइल/सिंथेटिक कपड़ा निर्माण।

64 What is 'cluster mapping' and what organisation has prepared a national map of clusters?

Identifying and cataloguing clusters; MSME Ministry/DCMSME prepared national maps.

'क्लस्टर मैपिंग' क्या है और किस संगठन ने क्लस्टरों का राष्ट्रीय मानचित्र तैयार किया है? — क्लस्टरों की पहचान और सूचीकरण; MSME मंत्रालय/DCMSME ने राष्ट्रीय मानचित्र तैयार किए।

65 What is 'export cluster development' and how does it differ from domestic cluster development?

Targets international markets with quality, compliance, and marketing support.

'निर्यात क्लस्टर विकास' क्या है और यह घरेलू क्लस्टर विकास से कैसे अलग है? — गुणवत्ता, अनुपालन और विपणन सहायता के साथ अंतरराष्ट्रीय बाजारों को लक्षित करता है।

66 What is the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana's relevance to cluster-based MSMEs?

Provides collateral-free micro-loans up to Rs 10 lakh to cluster micro-units.

क्लस्टर-आधारित MSMEs के लिए प्रधानमंत्री मुद्रा योजना की क्या प्रासंगिकता है? — क्लस्टर सूक्ष्म इकाइयों को 10 लाख रुपये तक बिना संपार्श्विक के माइक्रो-ऋण प्रदान करती है।

One-linersClusters and clusters development