"12 New Smart Cities, 10 Lakh New Jobs": Indian Government announces 12 Industrial Smart Cities.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of 12 industrial smart cities across six major industrial corridors in 10 states. This initiative involves an estimated investment of ?28,602 crore and aims to create advanced industrial hubs, boosting economic growth and infrastructure development throughout the country. Khurpia in Uttarakhand is one of these cities, where Helfinch India plans to expand its manufacturing facilities. This expansion is set to support the growth of its Lighting, Switchgears, and Electrical Wires brand in India, aligning with the broader vision of industrial advancement.

Helfinch is excited to announce the establishment of a cutting-edge wires manufacturing plant in Khurpia, Uttarakhand, under the recently approved Industrial Smart City initiative. This initiative, sanctioned by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks a transformative step in India’s industrial landscape. With an estimated investment of ?28,602 crore, this project represents a major advancement in the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP).

Transforming Khurpia: A Comprehensive Approach

1. Community Development Initiatives

Helfinch is dedicated to fostering positive change in Khurpia through a range of community-focused initiatives:

• Educational Support: We will collaborate with local schools to provide scholarships, educational materials, and infrastructure upgrades. Vocational training programs will be introduced to equip residents with skills relevant to the industrial sector. The Ministry of Education reports a 70% literacy rate in rural areas like Khurpia, highlighting the need for educational resources.
• Healthcare Access: Helfinch will organize regular health camps and workshops to improve community health. Partnerships with local clinics will enhance healthcare facilities and services, addressing the significant healthcare challenges faced by rural areas. The National Health Mission notes that 40% of rural populations lack basic health services.
• Infrastructure Development: We will invest in local infrastructure improvements, including roads, sanitation, and public transportation. Upgrading community centers will provide spaces for cultural events and social activities. Improved rural infrastructure can boost economic development by up to 30%, according to the 2023 Rural Infrastructure Report.

2. Advancing Gender Equality and Women Empowerment

Helfinch is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive workplace through:

• Equal Pay and Fair Employment Practices: Regular pay audits will ensure there is no gender pay gap. Transparent salary structures will be implemented to promote fairness. Women in India earn approximately 20% less than men for similar roles, according to the International Labour Organization’s 2023 study.
• Women in Leadership: Leadership training and mentorship programs will support women’s growth into leadership roles. Fair promotion policies will ensure equal career advancement opportunities. Women hold only 14% of executive positions in Indian manufacturing, according to McKinsey & Company.
• Workplace Safety and Inclusion: Robust safety protocols and inclusive workplace culture will be established. The 2022 Labour Bureau Report highlights the need for improved safety measures for women in manufacturing.
• Family Support Initiatives: Helfinch will provide on-site childcare facilities or subsidies and offer flexible working hours to support family responsibilities. Access to childcare is shown to improve women’s workforce participation, according to the 2023 Family Care Study.

3. Addressing the Role of Women in Indian Manufacturing

Women are integral to India’s manufacturing sector but face challenges such as inadequate working conditions and lower wages compared to men.

Improving Working Conditions: By setting high standards for workplace safety and hygiene, Helfinch aims to model best practices for the industry, ensuring that women workers are valued and protected.

Closing the Gender Wage Gap: Helfinch’s commitment to fair pay and transparent salary structures will address the gender wage gap, setting a precedent for equal pay in the industry.

Creating Leadership Opportunities: Helfinch’s focus on leadership training and fair promotion practices will help bridge the gap in leadership roles for women.

4. Building Community Partnerships

Strong local partnerships will enhance our impact:

• Local Collaborations: Helfinch will work with local NGOs focused on community development and gender equality. Support for local women entrepreneurs and small businesses will be provided.
• Volunteer Programs: Employees will be encouraged to participate in community service, strengthening our connection with Khurpia.

5. Monitoring and Reporting Progress

Transparency and accountability are key:

• Impact Assessment: Regular surveys will assess the impact of our community initiatives and employee satisfaction.
• Annual Reports: Helfinch will publish annual reports on our community contributions, gender equality efforts, and social initiatives.

A Brighter Future for Khurpia

Khurpia, a town in Uttarakhand known for its natural beauty and serene environment, is set for a major transformation with the arrival of Helfinch’s manufacturing plant. The plant will incorporate a “walk to work” concept, with residential facilities close to the workplace, enhancing work-life balance and fostering community cohesion.

Government Investment and Vision:

The Government of India’s investment of ?28,602 crore in developing Khurpia as an industrial smart city is a significant move under the NICDP. This investment is expected to attract investments of ?15,000 crore and generate 50,000 jobs in Uttarakhand. The project is envisioned to transform Khurpia into an automobile and engineering hub, supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and contributing to the broader goal of achieving $2 trillion in exports by 2030.

The NICDP will create a robust network of industrial nodes across 10 states, strategically planned along six major corridors. These smart cities will be developed with modern infrastructure, incorporating “plug-n-play” and “walk-to-work” concepts to ensure efficient and sustainable industrial operations. The alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan will provide multi-modal connectivity, enhancing the movement of people, goods, and services.

Economic Impact and Employment Generation:

The NICDP is projected to create up to 1 million direct jobs and 3 million indirect jobs, significantly boosting employment opportunities and socio-economic upliftment in the regions. This initiative aligns with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and aims to position India as a strong player in global value chains, fostering economic growth and self-reliance.

"Helfinch is proud to contribute to Khurpia’s development, setting a benchmark for community impact and gender equality. By addressing industry challenges and leading by example, we hope to build a sustainable and inclusive future for Khurpia", as quoted by Mr Satish Krishnan, the CEO of Helfinch India.