Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi Visits CTTC and Pharmaceutical Cluster in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, April 17, 2025: Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, the Union Minister for MSME, visited two key facilities in Bhubaneswar today—the Central Tool Room and Training Centre (CTTC) and the Pharmaceutical Cluster in Mancheswar Industrial Estate—both of which play pivotal roles in promoting innovation and development in the MSME sector.

During his visit to the CTTC, an autonomous body under the Ministry of MSME, Shri Manjhi was accompanied by senior officials including Dr. Rajneesh (IAS), Additional Secretary & Development Commissioner (MSME), Smt. Sudha Keshari (IES), Additional Development Commissioner (MSME), and other representatives from the Ministry and Odisha government. Shri L. Rajasekhar, General Manager of CTTC, briefed the Minister on the Centre’s key initiatives and achievements.

Shri Manjhi was particularly impressed with the Centre’s contribution to major national projects, including its work with prestigious organizations such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and Tata Motors. The CTTC has played a crucial role in India’s aerospace advancements, including the Chandrayaan-3 mission and the LCA-Tejas project. It is also engaged in manufacturing components for the upcoming Gaganyaan Mission. Shri Manjhi toured the facility, interacting with young trainees and reviewing ongoing initiatives aimed at skill development and technological innovation.

Following this, Shri Manjhi visited the Pharmaceutical Cluster in Mancheswar Industrial Estate, a Common Facility Centre (CFC) established under the MSE-CDP Scheme of the Ministry of MSME, in collaboration with the Government of Odisha. The cluster, which serves the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, is managed by the Utkal Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (UPMA). Shri Manjhi acknowledged the significant impact of the CFC in enhancing the region’s pharmaceutical capabilities by improving production quality, increasing export readiness, and reducing dependency on external testing labs.

The CFC offers a wide range of services including advanced testing, quality assurance, research and regulatory support, and training to MSME units in the region. Shri Manjhi commended the efforts of UPMA and praised the CFC’s role in strengthening the pharmaceutical manufacturing base in Odisha.

This visit highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to promoting technological innovation, skill development, and industrial growth in India’s MSME sector, ensuring that these initiatives continue to contribute significantly to the nation’s economic and industrial landscape.