Interview with Secretary General, MCCI

Saraswathi K is the Secretary General of one of the oldest institutions in Tamil Nadu. She has a unique role of developing and implementing initiatives exclusive to Tamil Nadu industries. Her role includes acting as a liaisoning agent between the industries and the Government, her role also includes creating an interface between businesses - businesses, both at the Indian and international levels. She's responsible for managing all these role related to the development of Tamil Nadu industries as part of MCCI.

Saraswathi is a post graduate in Mathematics and Economics and also an MBA holder. She started her career first with Bharat Overseas Bank, and there after in a German Collaborative Project for SME's for over 15 years. Saraswathi has tremendous experience and knowledge about the SME's. She has been able to travel extensively and gain knowledge about the SME's there. She's also participated in a 23 country SME meets and had the opportunity to make presentations on the opportunities in India. She has done some path breaking work in the field of SME development and worked with the British High Commission. She has been with MCCI since 2001.

When asked about the MCCI initiatives of 2013, she said MCCI will focus on:

1. Skill Development Initiative Program: This was launched by the Governor and has plans to develop a Vocational Training Centre solely owned by MCCI.

2. Develop a centre with caters to local industries of Tamil Nadu. The objective here is to upscale people for blue collared jobs.

3. Promote a Entrepreneurship Academy

When asked about the current challenges faced by the SME industry, she said some of the critical issue are:

1. Size: There is no economy of scale amongst the SME's even though they are essentially adaptable. Hence, for critical issues related to infrastructure like power, accessibility, etc, they are required to come together as a group to seek resolution.

2. Accessibility to Credit and Technology continues to be an issue with SME's.

3. Skilled Manpower and Labour

4. Access to finance: The SME's still do not hold a major bargaining power with the banks, there are no unconventional sources of finance, collateral free loans are not easily available.

It is true that SME's continue to be a low priority for finance segments and service providers.

MCCI is 175 years old and has a major representation from Engineering and Automobile Industries, IT & ITES, Healthcare, Construction, Textiles, Professional Firms and Entities. MCCI has over 500 direct members and 1500 extended members.

MCCI and the Government

1. MCCI has played a critical role in collaborating with the Government of Tamil Nadu for the development of the industries.

2. MCCI has played a strong role in Taxation and Infrastructure.

3. It has championed the development of the Chennai Port.

4. It has also played a key role in the development of the overall infrastructure.

5. MCCI has over 15 committee's represented by experts across various industry segments.

6. MCCI has taken up several initiatives to improve the access for SME finance.

7. MCCI has taken up several initiatives towards the Ease of doing business.

When asked about how she manages to be so efficient and successful across multiple roles of personal and professional, she says it come naturally to women. She is also very grateful to her husband who has been very supportive and encouraging all these years.