Barpeta: The Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET): CSTS – Guwahati successfully hosted an “Industry Meet” on Sunday, bringing together 23 entrepreneurs from Barpeta and Bajali districts in a focussed effort to bond skill gaps and recover industrial development in Assam.
One of the standout outcomes of the event was the realization among participating entrepreneurs that several essential services such as industrial design, machine development, and skilled workforce training are already available locally through CIPET. Many attendees, previously reliant on out-of-state services, expressed surprise and appreciation for this revelation. Several entrepreneurs initiated immediate discussions with CIPET on potential collaborations, while others took note of the offerings for future ventures.
The meet also resulted in concrete progress toward collaboration between existing and upcoming industrial units and CIPET. Discussions were initiated on delivering specialized services and machinery support with an assurance of quality and post-sales services.
The event further highlighted the Department of Industries and Commerce’s commitment to facilitating end-to-end support for industrial units. This includes land allotment (subject to availability), guidance on schemes such as PMEGP, PMFME, UNNATI 2024, IIPA 2019, CMAAA, PM Vishwakarma, and Udyam Registration. In this context, the department’s facilitation of connections between local entrepreneurs and a premier technical institute like CIPET was identified as a critical enabler for Assam’s industrial ecosystem.
Looking ahead, the department aims to organize loan melas with banking institutions to strengthen financial linkages for industrial ventures in the region.
Event Highlights
The entrepreneurs represented key industrial hubs in lower Assam, including the Industrial Estate at Sonkuchi (Barpeta), the Industrial Development Park under AIDC, and the Mini Industrial Estate under AIIDC in Pathsala. Also present were members of the Barpeta and Bajali Nabajagaran Agro Industry Association (BBANIA), a body formed under the World Bank-supported APART initiative to empower rural industries.
Led by CIPET Centre In-Charge Harekrishna Deka, the event included presentations on the institute’s expertise in tool manufacturing, plastic processing, product testing, industrial design, and customized training programs. CIPET’s collaborations with national institutions such as IIT Guwahati were also showcased.
A key highlight of the session was a live demonstration in CIPET’s advanced labs and industrial sheds, offering participants a hands-on look at active machinery, casting operations, and student-led innovations. The demonstration served as a catalyst for new interest in partnerships, service utilization, and workforce recruitment through CIPET.
Pranjan Rajmedhi, General Manager of the District Industries and Commerce Centre (DICC), Barpeta, emphasized the significance of the meet:
“Under the Advantage Assam 2.0 initiative, many new industries are set to emerge. This will create substantial demand for skilled manpower. CIPET’s training programs, ranging from post-matriculation to PhD-level, are designed to meet specific industry needs—at very reasonable fees.”
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He noted that many entrepreneurs had been unaware of CIPET’s comprehensive offerings and expressed optimism that this new awareness would reduce regional dependency on out-of-state technical services.
As the event concluded, Rajmedhi appealed to CIPET to amplify visibility across Assam’s districts:
“We need more localized awareness. Without accessible information, many of our entrepreneurs turn to external service providers often at high cost. CIPET’s presence can make a big difference.”
A Path Forward
This Industry Meet marks a significant step toward strengthening industry-institution collaboration in Assam. By connecting local industries with high-end technical and training services, CIPET and the Department of Industries and Commerce are paving the way for localized manufacturing, reduced operational dependency, and enhanced skilled employment in the state.
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