The NICDC organised a high‑level consultation on 18 March 2026 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, to operationalise the Union Budget announcement on rejuvenating export‑oriented industrial clusters. The meeting followed a post‑budget webinar on “Sustaining and Strengthening Economic Growth” and drew representatives from EPCs , major industry associations, banks, research institutes and government officials. Key Developments Stakeholders called for a holistic, balanced approach that couples infrastructure upgradation with capacity building, technology adoption and enhanced market access. Emphasis on strengthening domestic manufacturing ecosystems, especially in sectors with high import dependence. Demand for robust testing, certification and quality‑infrastructure to reduce reliance on overseas facilities. Push for innovation, R&D and technology commercialisation within clusters, with targeted support for MSMEs to integrate them into global value chains. Recommendation for industry‑led governance through SPVs and cluster‑level facilitation cells. Calls for simplification of regulatory processes, better awareness of government schemes and greater flexibility at state and district levels. Important Facts The consultation was chaired by Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade ( DPIIT ) . The discussion was guided by Shri Rajat Kumar Saini, CEO & Managing Director, NICDC . Participants included leading bodies such as ASSOCHAM, FICCI, CII, NASSCOM, SIDBI, CSIR, National Productivity Council, and sectoral associations like the Apparel Export Promotion Council, Automotive Component Manufacturers Association, and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers. Corporate representatives from Reliance, Tata Chemicals, Relaxo, Beumer Group and JLL also contributed. UPSC Relevance The session highlights several themes that frequently appear in the UPSC syllabus: the role of government agencies like NICDC in industrial policy; the importance of MSMEs for employment generation and export earnings; the use of SPVs as a governance tool; and the impact of the Union Budget on sectoral growth. Understanding these mechanisms aids answers on industrial corridors, export promotion, and the implementation challenges of large‑scale policy initiatives. Way Forward Form dedicated SPVs for each cluster to ensure focused governance and financing. Accelerate infrastructure upgrades – power, logistics, digital connectivity – while setting up state‑of‑the‑art testing and certification labs. Launch a structured MSME innovation fund to support technology adoption and R&D. Streamline regulatory clearances through a single‑window system and enhance awareness of existing schemes via cluster‑level facilitation cells. Align cluster product portfolios with emerging global demand trends, leveraging data from EPCs and market intelligence agencies. Promote sustainable financing models, including green bonds and blended finance, to attract private investment while meeting environmental goals.