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MSMEs Are Robust, Need To Keep Abreast Of Changing Times

Sanjeev Kochhar
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MSMEs Are Robust, Need To Keep Abreast Of Changing Times

Industry administrators, leaders and experts at the 7th Regional SME Summit, organised by CII Northern Region in Chandigarh on Tuesday, while hailing the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as the backbone of the Indian economy, especially so in Punjab, asserted that the MSME sector is essentially robust despite the challenges. It was felt that the sector needs a more enabling environment to raise its contribution further to the GDP and restore buoyancy in the economy.

The summit while acknowledging that funding is a crucial factor in realising the tremendous growth potential of MSMEs, concluded that they need to improve their governance in terms of   maintaining their books, balance sheets, bank statements, GST returns, etc to raise their credit worthiness and explore the largely untapped alternative means of funding, especially through the stock market route.

Photos By : Life In Chandigarh

The industry leaders debunked the prevailing widespread negativism around the signs of slowing down of the economy, and asked MSMEs to have confidence in the resilience of the Indian economy, which will spur growth at a fast clip within a short time frame.      

Dwelling on the theme of the summit “Sustainable Development of Northern Region MSMEs”, Punjab Additional Chief Secretary Industry and Commerce Vini Mahajan while acknowledging that the MSME sector is the backbone of the country’s economy as a whole, and especially so in Punjab, promised the state government’s firm commitment to provide it an enabling ecosystem so that it could thrive and catalyse growth, thus creating greater employment opportunities.

She said that the international investors’ summit is being revived in the state after a gap of a few years and the one planned for December 5 and 6, the current government’s first, at the ISB campus in Mohali, will focus heavily on the MSME sector.

Conceding that there is still lack of absolute clarity in the Government of Indi regarding the definition of an MSME, which is creating hurdles in the smooth flow of concessions and incentives to them, she said the state government is constantly pursuing with the Centre to quickly settle this issue.

She sought the genuine feedback of the industry for a new revised policy for one time settlement of outstanding loans extended by the traditional state funding agencies like PFC and PSIDC so that it could be implemented effective and bring desired results. She also appealed to investors to take full advantage of the liberal state Industrial Policy and set up more private Industrial Parks. The state government is open to proposal for a public-private partnership as well, she added.

Pointing out that Punjab has been ranked second in the country after Gujarat in the ease of logistics, the state ACS Industries and Commerce reiterated the state government’s firm resolve to improve the infrastructure in its own existing industrial parks and focal points. “We are determined to improve the road and other infrastructure in these places at all cost,” she asserted.  

Vini Mahajan shared that creating more and more Common Facility Centres is another focus area of the state government, and so is ungrading the skill sets of manpower through modernisation in the teaching and training methodology at the polytechnics and ITIs in the state.

She also urged the MSMEs to participate in the recently launched Make In Punjab push, a policy for which gives preference to indigenous manufacturers in government procurements.

Rachna Dikshit, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India, called upon bankers to not shy away from extending loans to the MSMEs after doing due diligence. She said the bank had undertaken capacity building exercises over the last two years under which 1300 bankers, especially those heading rural branches, had been sensitised to the issues involved.

Sanjay Khurana, Chairman, Regional Committee on SMEs, CII Northern Region, and Wholetime Director, Baddi Foils Pvt Ltd, was of the opinion that, considering the importance of the MSME sector in the Indian economy, it is essential that they are provided need-based support during times of delinquency, failure or other challenges.

Sharing the bankers’ perspective, Rajeev Arora, General Manager, State Bank of India, said the bankers expected transparency and commitment from the entrepreneurs to enable them to seamlessly process requests for loans. Though banks are constantly reviewing their processes and making things simpler for the borrowers, checks and balances are necessary to ensure that the funds are utilised judiciously and for the purpose these have been extended, he maintained.

Sushil Aggarwal, Co-Chairman of the Regional Committee on SMEs, CII Northern Region, and Chairman, Avon Moldplast Limited, urged MSMEs to believe in the resilience of the Indian economy and expressed confidence that buoyancy will soon return to the market. MSMEs are, and will, continue to remain the backbone of the Indian economy and they need to be extended adequate assistance by the government in various aspects of their operations, he asserted.

Making a mention of structural changes being made in the economy to bring about greater transparency in the systems, Aggarwal said the government has shown the right intent to remove the trust deficit, now it is for the industry to show positivity and the zeal and drive to overcome transitory challenges and help the economy grow faster.

Jyoti Prakash Gadia, another Co-Chairman of the Regional Committee on SMEs, CII Northern Region, and Managing Director, Resurgent India Pvt Ltd, felt that the MSMEs need to focus on keeping their books, balance sheets, GST returns and bank statements in order with an aim to improve their credit rating. Alternative fund sourcing from the equity market by listing on the major stock exchanges like BSE and NSE should also be explored since these have already benefitted several MSMEs, he added.

Rahul Priyadarshi, General Manager, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) Chandigarh while asserting that the MSME sector is robust, with a few stresses here and there, maintained that there is no dearth of funds with SIDBI. The bank has simplified its requirements and process for loans but due diligence has to be gone through, nonetheless. He suggested that industrial units in clusters with can approach the banks and other financial institutions for funding collective guarantees. These clusters can be got rated for ease of transaction, he added.

Royal Benjamin, Regional Head – SME and Startups  – North India, Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) felt there is still widespread ignorance among the SMEs and startups regarding the tremendous potential of the alternative funding route for them through the stock markets. Separate platforms have been created for SMEs and startups in the BSE in the last few years and it is ready to reach out to the SMEs and accompany merchant bankers to access their credit worthiness, he said.

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

To keep in touch, drop an email or call :

 kochhar.apr@gmail.com

9815617676

Get A Taste Of The Heart & Soul Of Punjabi Food, And Tharras In Actual Pauvas Too

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Get A Taste Of The Heart & Soul Of Punjabi Food, And Tharras In Actual Pauvas Too

The roadside dhabas have traditionally been associated with trucks and truck drivers, who patronised them as their home-away-from-home for food and rest to break their gruelling journeys. Gradually the ‘charpai’ roadside eateries began to get bigger and smarter, and highway travellers and tourists began to throng them in the hordes for lip-smacking food at a price easy on their pockets. The by now iconic restaurant brand ‘Dhaba’ (Estd 1986 inside The Claridges Hotel on Delhi’s famed Aurangzeb Road) took the concept to an all new level, adding a full-blown ‘Theka’ with signature Punjabi ‘tharras’ in actual ‘pauva’ bottles, apart from well stocked IMFL and imported liquor.

The iconic brand, with multi-city presence and a twisted phrase tagline “When it comes to traditional Indian food, the truck stops here!”, has, after years of efforts and persistence, been brought to Chandigarh’s Sector 7 by its franchise owner Puneet Gupta, a computer engineer from PEC Chandigarh and an MBA from Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, who stumbled into the food business and has thrived in it for over two decades.

Photos By : Life In Chandigarh

“I have been trying to convince Azure Hospitality, the same folks who created Mamagoto and are now managing Dhaba brand, to bring the heart and soul of Punjabi food to Chandigarh. This first franchise ownership of the brand is the result of four to five years of hard negotiations and perseverance,” shared Puneet with LifeInChandigarh.com at the formal launch of the outlet in the famous back lane of showrooms on the Madhya Marg in Sector 7. Before Chandigarh, the brand already has presence in Delhi/NCR area (multiple outlets), Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai.

“Despite Chandigarh being the heart of Punjab, there was a vacuum of sorts in the Punjabi food fine dining space for people who would want to enjoy lip-smacking Punjabi food while not compromising on hygienic conditions, pleasing ambience and great service. There were very few places that one could think of for an outing with family, guests, friends or colleagues to gorge on Punjabi food.

“Here comes the iconic Dhaba, the essence and soul of which is Punjabi, but which now has a whole range of dishes from other regions available for indulgence. It is also the first Dhaba with a large dedicated space for a full-fledged Punjabi Theka, pouring tasteful Dhaba signature drinks, served with special appetizers all day,” gushed Puneet.

The Dhaba’s interiors are simple, rustic and extremely colourful with elements of quirkiness thrown in good measure. Apart from vintage Bollywood and Hollywood posters, lamp chandeliers, and truck art adorning the sun-kissed Theka area, body of an actual truck with tables laid out on it allow you a cozy corner in the Dhaba restaurant. So you have a big poster of Amitabh Bachchan on one side of the theka with his twisted dialogue reading “Hum jahan pe khareh ho jaate hain, WINE vahin se shuru hoti hai!” splashed on the other.

Other posters staring at visitors include those of ravishing beauties of yesteryears Marilyn Monroe and Madhubala. The cover of the Theka menu carries the picture of Dalip Kumar with a twisted line from a famous song reading “Peg Liya Toh Chakhna Kya!” Number plates of trucks cover the entire corridor wall leading to the restaurant and the Theka to add another element of the truck art.

The iconic restaurant offers legendary authentic Indian recipes in three categories – Tandoor, Tawa and Patila. Dhaba specialities under the tandoor section include Amritsari Kukkad, made with chicken marinated with curd and having a dominating smoky flavour of ginger and garlic, Tandoori Prawns, Highway Chicken Tikka, Amritsari Machhi and Murgh Malai Tikka. For the vegans, there is Lal Mirch Ka Paneer Tikka, Cottage Cheese marinated with pounded red chillies, yogurt and spices finished in the tandoor, and Dhaba Paneer Tikka.

Listed under Recipes Since 1986 in the Tawa section, are Tandoori Bhune Aloo, which is tandoor roasted baby potatoes, shallow fried and tossed with spices, onion and saunth chutney, and the traditional Veg Galouti and Mushroom Hara Pyaza. For the non-vegans, on offer are Galouti Kebabs, Amritsari Machhi and Tawa Mutton and Chicken made with succulent boneless cubes of marinated chicken cooked with onion, tomato and spices.

In the most loved Patila section, the Dhaba has signature Handi Murgh and Handi Gosht, the famous Mutton Curry, Balti Meat and Butter Chicken 1986. For the vegans, there is Lahsooni Palak, Paneer Makhan Masala and Kanastari Baingan Bharta, which is a signature preparation of eggplants cooked in tandoor, mashed and finished with royal cumin, tomato, ginger and green chilli. Dal Dhaba, Veg Handi and Amritsari Chole are age-old favourites from this section.

The outpost at Chandigarh comes with an all new Theka food menu to complement the signature Tharras, classic cocktails, Ghatta Ghatt shots and more. Accompanying these tasteful dishes, Dhaba’s Mock Tharras are just the refreshments you need. Traditional beverages include a section of Rangeela, Virgin Paan Mojito, Kaala Khatta, Ganne Ka Sa Ras, Rajdhani Jal Jeera, Meerut Ki Shikanji and Aam Panna.

The Dhaba also serves rich and devouring starters from Tandoori Malai Broccoli to Crackling Spinach Crispy Co and Chataka Chinese Bhel.

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

To keep in touch, drop an email or call :

 Kochhar.apr@gmail.com

9815617676 

Set Your Brain Waves Aglow With Nobel Laureates; Mark Your Diaries Sept 11-12

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Set Your Brain Waves Aglow With Nobel Laureates; Mark Your Diaries Sept 11-12

Curiosity-driven students, research scholars, teachers and innovators from the Northern states, here comes once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity to set your scientific tube lights aglow and strengthen your resolve to find practical solutions to present and future problems and issues facing society. For the first time ever the Nobel Prize Series-India is coming to Mohali (September 11) and Ludhiana (September 12) with panel discussions, key note speeches and Q&A sessions in the company of Nobel Laureates and other eminent scientists and educators. A third leg of the series will also be held in New Delhi on September 13.

The 3rd edition of the series in India will also feature the world premiere of a new month-long travelling exhibition “For The Greatest Benefit To Humankind” from Nobel Prize Museum, which will demonstrate contributions of Nobel Laureates. While the September 11 and 12 programmes are by invitation only, the exhibition will be thrown open to the general public from September 12.

Photos By : Life In Chandigarh

Among the panellists confirmed for the Nobel Prize Series-India 2019 is Serge Haroche, a Professor Emeritus at College de France, who won the Nobel Physics Prize 2012. His main research activities have been in quantum optics and quantum information science. The other Nobel Laureate to confirm his participation is our very own Kailash Satyarthi, who was presented the Nobel Peace Prize 2014, recognising his tireless global advocacy of children’s rights for four decades.

Serge Haroche

Another panellist is Juleen Zierath, professor of clinical integrative physiology and a member of the Nobel Committee at Karolinsla Institutet.

Nobel Prize website https://www.nobelprize.org  also lists Laura Sprechmann, CEO of Nobel Media, as a panellist.

Kailash Satyarthi

Briefing a news conference on Wednesday, Dr TR Sharma, Executive Director of NABI (National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute), Mohali and Dr Jatinder Kaur Arora, Executive Director PSCST (Punjab State Council for Science & Technology), said invitations had been sent out to educational institutions in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir. However, a limited number of approximately 500-600 students and research scholars, in addition to 600 to 700 teachers and early career faculties, are expected to be able to participate in the Noble Prize Series-India 2019 in Mohali and Ludhiana.   

Juleen Zierath

They said a few lakh students, research scholars, teachers and members of the general public with a scientific bent of mind are expected to visit and benefit from the month long exhibition to be thrown open at NABI, Mohali from September 12 onwards. Experts will be at hand to explain to the visitors the various exhibits. Entry is free. The exhibition from Nobel Prize Museum will highlight how science has made the world a better place, and showcase discoveries and achievements that have saved lives, fed humanity, connected people and protected plants, they added.

Dr Sharma and Dr Arora informed that special care is being taken to ensure that the communication between the experts and the participants and visitors is in the local language, and hence effective.

Laura Sprechmann

The Series 2019 will be jointly inaugurated by the Union Minister for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences and Health and Family Welfare and the Chief Minister of Punjab at NABI Mohali on September 11.

The Nobel Prize Series has been brought to India under a MoU signed between the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) of the Ministry of Science & Technology, GOI, and Nobel Media AB, Sweden to run the series over five years. It’s an initiative which brings together Nobel Laureates and eminent scientists to stimulate innovation and creative thinking amongst young students of science. The 1st edition of the series in India was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat in 2017, followed by the 2nd edition in Panjim, Goa in 2018. 

The 3rd edition of the series, with the theme “Teaching & Learning”, is being organised in partnership with Punjab Government at NABI Mohali and Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) Ludhiana.  

Series Philosophy

Education is the key to the future of humanity. By making education accessible to everyone, we can make sure that no human potential goes waste. Through education we ensure that today’s students are ready to deal with the problems of tomorrow.

Many Nobel Laureates talk about how teachers have introduced them to the world of science, literature and peace, and how mentors have played a role in their success. The Nobel Prize shows how humanity can change the world for the better – and it starts with education. Investing in education is investing in the future.

The Events

Sept 11, NABI Mohali

Teacher Summit (by invitation only)

The Nobel Prize shows that ideas can change the world. It demonstrates how courage, creativity and perseverance of the Nobel Laureates can affect our future and offer us a sense of hope. The Nobel Prize’s unique combination of fields – science, literature and peace – is a great inspiration to both engagement and knowledge. At the Teacher Summit, teachers meet Nobel Laureates, scientists and educators to learn more about how the Nobel Prize can be an inspiration in education.

They will discuss how to keep improving education to make every student reach his or her top potential. How did the Nobel Laureates learn all the things they needed to make such a difference to the world? What do they think are important skills and methods in teaching?

Exhibition Inauguration (by invitation only)

‘For The Greatest Benefit To Humankind’ will show how science, literature and peace efforts are capable of improving and changing the world. The exhibition will focus on four themes that explore topics of major importance in our era: ‘Saving Lives, ‘Feeding Humanity’, ‘Protecting The Planet’ and ‘Connecting The World’. The exhibition will be thrown open to the public from September 12.

Dialogue (by invitation only)

The dialogue will offer a mixed programme consisting of panel discussions, keynote speeches and Q&A sessions. Participating in the programme will be the Nobel Laureates and a member of the Nobel Committee.

Sept 12, PAU Ludhiana

Nobel Prize Lectures

Serge Haroche, 2012 Physics Laureate, and Juleen Zierath, Member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and Nobel Assembly, will deliver lectures on various themes. The lectures will be followed by student round table discussions.

Sept 13, New Delhi

Tinkering Lab With Kailash Satyarthi

Tinkering labs have been set up across India as an initiative to inspire young children to innovate through hands-on approach in a playful technology environment. Kailash Satyarthi will be visiting a Tinkering lab in New Delhi, meeting a new generation of curious and creative innovators.

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

To keep in touch, drop an email or call :

 Kochhar.apr@gmail.com

9815617676 

First In City To Be NABH-Accredited, Dental Clinic Gets Its International Quality & Patient Safety Standards Stamped

Sanjeev Kochhar
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First In City To Be NABH-Accredited, Dental Clinic Gets Its International Quality & Patient Safety Standards Stamped

We often see the words ‘NABH-Accredited’ showcased on the brandings of top hospitals across the country. But it is rare to see this accreditation, which certifies the highest standards of international quality and patient safety being maintained by hospitals and healthcare providers, being displayed by clinics. So, it makes news when a clinic, a dental one at that, announces getting the accreditation. Dr Kochar’s House of Smiles in Sector 21 on Tuesday officially announced that it had become the first NABH-Accredited dental clinic in Chandigarh. The clinic has simultaneously also received the quality standard ISO 9001:2015.

National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), a constituent board of the Quality Council of India, lays down stringent standard operating procedures to ensure high level of hygiene and sanitisation for patient safety and prevention of infection. 

Photos By : Life In Chandigarh

Dr Parag Kochar, CEO & Principal Dentist, and Dr Manisha Kochar, owner of Dr Kochar’s House of Smiles, and the top management team of the clinic shared with LifeInChandigarh.com that “despite religiously maintaining very high standards of hygiene and sanitation in the clinic, we had to make several structural changes in infrastructure as well as procedures to meet the stringent parameters set by NABH. The long and arduous task of making necessary rectifications, and the huge amount of paperwork involved, was a real pain, but worth it for an ethical practice like ours.”

Dr Manisha Kochar added that “Right from usage of CE-certified materials (CE indicates conformity with health, safety and environmental protection standards), training for various medical and non-medical emergencies, X-ray machine registration with AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board), air and water quality checking before and after every surgical treatment and fumigation of operatories (dental chair systems), to maintenance of 24 hours power backup, we had to ensure that all stations are as per NABH standards.

“Besides using only CE certified materials, we have a latest B-class Autoclave for instrument sterilisation. The entire staff (it surprisingly has a big staff strength for a clinic), including house-keeping staff, undergo regular health checkups and vaccinated against Hepatitis. They are also sensitised and trained on standard operating procedures down to minute details.”

Detailing the USPs of their two decades old practice, Kochars, who are staunch followers of Brahm Kumaris organisation, claimed that “apart from the highly trained staff and latest equipments, what differentiates our clinic from others is the strong value system of service to the customer we have been able to inculcate in our staff.” Dr Manisha asserted, “Our staff is undoubted the best anywhere.”

Taking invited news media around the clinic, Kochars showcased their latest equipment and machinery, which included a Mouth Tour (an intra-oral video camera which gives the dentist, and the patient, a good understanding of the patient’s oral health), a 3-D Shape Scanner (it records the shape, size and shade of a patient’s natural teeth for exact replication at a later stage when requirement arises for a denture or implant) and a J Morito Endometer (a hand-piece with which the dentist can work subtly and sensitively).

Apart from Dr Parag, a full-scale smile designer reputed for his painless procedures, and Dr Manisha, who is managing the administration and operations, the clinic, which is equipped with three operatories, has seven other specialists. Two of them, an endodontist (root canal specialist) and a prosthodontist (prosthetic dentistry specialist), are on its regular rolls. The others have regular visiting days and timings.

The clinic offers cosmetic dentistry, including lifestyle dental jewellery and invisible braces, besides routine and special fillings and restoration dentistry, root canal treatment, crowning and bridging and extractions, etc.

Another focus area of the clinic is the comfort of the customers. From an automatic foot massager to mobile charging stations, iPads, WiFi on demand, the reception area has it all. Refreshing beverages are available. There is also a small meditation room, where patients can de-stress pre and post procedure while watching an assisted meditation video. The white decor of the clinic is in any way soothing to the eyes. A regular front desk manager and a quality control manager ensure that what the clinic promises is professionally delivered.

No wonder, included in the clinic’s regular client list are celebrities in various fields, influential people and international clients.

For so much, and more, the charges, of course, can be expected to be commensurate to the quality of facilities and services.

However, to celebrate the NABH accreditation, and the ISO certification, Dr Kochar’s House of Smiles is offering its patrons a 25% concession on all its dental treatments for a month, starting September 1.

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

To keep in touch, drop an email or call :

 Kochhar.apr@gmail.com

A Little Island Of Home-Made Baking Goodness

Sanjeev Kochhar
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A Little Island Of Home-Made Baking Goodness

It’s a wow European style patisserie pulling in the crowds because of its exotic and yummy bakes, and its ideal location right next to PVR Cinemas on one side and the play area Fun City on the other. Yes, you guessed it right. This is the top floor of Elante Mall. After running successful takeaway shops in Sector 27 Chandigarh and Phase 3B2 in Mohali, tricity-based Let’s Go Dutch BAKERY has made an impactful entry with a trendy kiosk style outlet in the hottest hangout we have.

Inspired by the vision of its Executive Chef Dominic Johns, who, despite serving in top brands in the hotel and catering business, is a stickler for home-made taste, Let’s Go Dutch, a startup promoted by an enterprising couple (they prefer to stay in the background), offers its customers an exclusive range of delicious and freshly baked products. There’s nothing they don’t have to offer, from cupcakes to premium pastries, cakes, muffins, cookies, gourmet dessert jars, bread slices, beverages, etc.

Photos By : Life In Chandigarh

At an exclusive media preview earlier this week, during which two unique maida-free cakes – Rosemary Almond Flour Cake and Chocolate Torta, claimed to be gluten-free and grain-free with packed protein – were unveiled, Dominic Johns shared with LifeInChandigarh.com that his first priority is to win the tricity customers’ hearts and minds with the great taste and high quality and healthy ingredients of their products. “It is always my endeavour to introduce new products with better taste every time,” he emphasised.

He added, “I am strictly against the use of preservatives and premixes in our bakings, which means that the products available at our outlets are coming freshly baked from our world class bakery in Mohali. We have some 98-odd products, out of which 60-odd make it to our shelves every day. Our product portfolio each day is different. We start the baking as early as 8 a.m. in the morning, and the freshly baked products are displayed at our outlets by about 3 p.m. every day without fail. Anything which is not fresh is not sold.” 

Revealing his preference of ingredients, the executive chef said almonds, from the grounded powder of which the Rosemary cake is made, and apricots and dates for making dry cakes and kiwi for making fresh fruit cakes are his preferred choices.

In the cake section, the wide variety includes Dutch Truffle, Rainbow, Salted Caramel, Exotic Fruit, Dense Chocolate, Baked Blueberry and New York Cheesecake. Soya or synthetic creams are a strict no-no, and only premium chocolates, butter and dairy ice creams are used in making the cakes.

The variety in cookies is also impressive – Perky Salted, Butter Divine, Nutty Almond, Heavenly Chocochip, Pistachio Italian Biscotti, Wholesome Multigrain and HEARTY Oat Bran Cookies, to name a few.

In muffins, Choco Chunk and Very Berry are must tries. Chocolate Caramel Trifle, Banoffee Pudding, Tiramisu Pudding, Sinful Chocolate Mousse are a few of the irresistible gourmet dessert jars on offer.

www.letsgodutchbakers.com

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

To keep in touch, drop an email or call :

 Kochhar.apr@gmail.com

9815617676 

State Environment Appellate Authority Sets Pace With Time Bound & Transparent Disposal Of Appeals

Sanjeev Kochhar
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State Environment Appellate Authority Sets Pace With Time Bound & Transparent Disposal Of Appeals

In an article ‘Appellate Authorities Under Pollution Control Laws In India: Powers, Problems And Potential’, authored by legal and environmental experts, and published in a reputed professional journal ‘Law, Environment and Development Journal’ in 2018, authors Shibani Ghosh, Sharachchandra Lele and Nakul Heble laid down that ideally, the effectiveness of a state appellate authority “would be judged by analysing the cases heard (and not heard), decisions delivered, time taken to decide appeals, and the extent of implementation of the decisions.”

The Environment Appellate Authority in Haryana, a statutory body, adjudicating on the State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), Panchkula, headed by Justice SD Anand, former Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court, with Maj Gen (retd) Harish Jit Singh (Shaurya Chakra, Vishisht Seva Medal) and Dr Sukhdev Kundu (Ph.D Environmental Science) as Judge members, appears to be scoring high on all these parameters, thus setting the pace for the other states.

Photo By : Life In Chandigarh

Despite basic infrastructure and staff constraints, it goes to the credit of the appellate authority that it has been successful in disposing of 95% of the total appeals filed before it. The appeal is heard the very next working day of filing and the appellate authority is reputed for disposing of the appeals in less than a month. Remarkably, all judgements have been unanimous, and so watertight that only 4 to 5% of these have been challenged before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Supreme Court of India.

Judge members Maj Gen (retd) Harish Jit Singh and Dr Sukhdev Kundu do not hide being in awe of Justice Anand because of his honesty, integrity and his open book style of functioning, which they claim inspires them to be innovative in the matter of interpretation of the applicable law of the land. Justice Anand, likewise acknowledges that this level of performance of the authority could not have been possible without valuable contributions from the entire team.

Justice Anand asserts that in its judgements, the appellate authority, besides announcing the law by way of interpretation, has not flinched from pointing out procedural aberrations on the part of the (HSPCB) functionaries, including its Member Secretary and a former Chairman.

The state government has also acted to reconstitute the HSPCB, by re-nominating the official and non-official members in the past, when the appellate authority wrote to it that the board had not been constituted properly, Judge Member Maj.Gen. (retd) HJ Singh and Dr Sukhdev Kundu add.

It is also a fact that the HSPCB stands indicted by the appellate authority in a majority of the cases for its erroneous functioning. But it is not that it is always the appellants who win.

In a proactive action, the authority nailed the lies of a real estate developer, Ansal Housing and Construction Ltd. (which had sworn its position on affidavit), by seeking satellite imagery of the construction site of the relevant date from the National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad. The real estate company had appealed against the HSPCB for rejecting its plea for consent.

The board had taken the premise that the developer had raised constructions (civil work, including excavation, basement and 14 floors on a site measuring 10.53 acres) even before seeking the consent. Subsequently, the authority rejected Ansal’s plea for withdrawing the appeal, and dismissed the appeal on merit.

The authority had also directed HSPCB to proceed against the developer in this case for raising the constructions in violation of the environmental clearance, but action, if any, taken by the board against the developer is not known.    

The appellate authorities were constituted in states as part of a central environmental grievances redressal system. Their primary function is to decide on appeals against orders issued by the State Pollution Control Board (SPCBs). The authority in Haryana has been dealing with cases related to mining, stone crushers, industries, real estate developers and oil refinery. It takes up appeals under the central laws, namely Water Act (1974) and Air Act (1981).

Many states are yet to constitute these authorities. Some states have bureaucrats presiding over these authorities, or holding position of a judge member. Haryana is among the few states to have a full complement of three members with a retired High Court judge presiding, which is an ideal situation.

 

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

To keep in touch, drop an email or call :

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A Zero Calorie, Gluten-free Alternative To Dairy Milk Hits Tricity Markets

Sanjeev Kochhar
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A Zero Calorie, Gluten-free Alternative To Dairy Milk Hits Tricity Markets

The Goel family from the National capital has been in the business of selling almonds in the wholesale market for the last 15 years. It has now progressed into farming of world famous almonds in central California and also becoming one of largest importers of California almonds in the country, with volumes touching 13,000 metric tonnes per annum. Given this background, it was but natural for GenX in the family, brothers Anish and Ayush, to venture into almond beverages, which are yet to pick up in India, but are a rage in the West. The new company, Vegantique Super Foods & Beverages LLP, has chosen Chandigarh as the launch pad for its maiden product offering – Almo Almond Beverage – with the tagline “More Than Milk”.

Speaking to LifeInChandigarh.com at the news media launch of four different variants of the almond beverage – original (unsweetened), sweetened, chocolate (Danish chocolate) and vanilla – Managing Partner of the company Ayush Goel and its Business Head Devendra Singh said though a few similar products are already available in the Indian market, Almo Almond Beverage will definitely stand at an advantage since being farmers and one of the biggest importers of the world’s top variety of almonds, they understand almonds as none else in the market.

Photo By : Life In Chandigarh

Ayush added, “The USP of Almo Almond Beverage is that it’s zero on calories, gluten, lactose and sugar, and maintains a low glycaemic index of 25 (for the original unsweetened variant). Apart from traditionally being known to aid memory, eyesight and brain health, consumption of Almo is perfectly suited for maintaining an acne-free and radiant skin,” he claimed.

Almo Almond Beverage is also claimed to be a perfect base, only after water, to be consumed in protein shakes at gym workouts. The unsweetened variant is also touted as good for diabetics and the lactose intolerant.

However, the current price tag may keep the common man at bay, with a one litre screw-capped Tetra pack priced at Rs 345 and a 200 ml pack selling for Rs 80.

Keeping this in mind, the company plans to go into an overdrive with its awareness campaign to sensitise consumers who are looking for healthier alternatives to milk and wouldn’t mind spending that much extra.

“Right now a large section of the nutritionist community itself is unaware of the availability of such a product in the market. So, apart from making our product available at all premium gourmet stores in the tricity and free sampling, we will be pitching it in the health and beauty domains, which means that we will convince premium spas, salons, beauty parlours, gyms and other health and beauty focussed institutions to retail the product,” Devendra Singh said.

In a presentation, he claimed that worldwide the almond milk market is of the order of 18 Bn US $. In US, 50% of all coffee is being served with almond milk. But in India, the market is miniscule (Rs 80 crore annually and growing at 10.6% CAGR) because of the lack of awareness among the consumers. “We see a tremendous opportunity in this and are gearing ourselves for an aggressive marketing and awareness campaign to convince people, who can afford, that this is the drink for their daily diet,” he added.

Spelling out the company’s expansion plans, Ayush shared that out of 28 cities identified for marketing the product, in the first phase will cover apart from Chandigarh tricity, Jaipur, Gurgaon, Mumbai and Bangalore. After consolidating the market for Almo Almond Beverage, an expansion of the product portfolio is also on the cards. “Up next are Almond Butter or Spread, Almond Oil for cooking purposes and Almond Yoghurt,” he said.

Till a plant of its own becomes economically viable, Vegantique Super Foods & Beverages LLP is getting Almo Almond Beverage manufactured and packaged from Silvermill Natural Beverages Pvt. Ltd., Colombo, Sri Lanka.

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

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Industry Will Emerge Leaner, More Flexible & Agile From Current Volatility

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Industry Will Emerge Leaner, More Flexible & Agile From Current Volatility

The common refrain at the recently held 3rd edition of the CII Conference on Achieving Excellence in Manufacturing – Managing In Challenging Times, at the Northern Region headquarters in Chandigarh, was that the current times are challenging, and at the same time exciting for the manufacturing industry. Industry honchos expressed confidence that the industry will emerge leaner, more flexible and agile from this volatility, which is expected to continue for a while. These downturns are cyclic in nature and have been witnessed every 10-12 years in the past as well, but the industry has come out stronger each time, participants in the conference were reassured.

The Punjab Government on its part promised to back the industry to the hilt through its policy interventions, which are being made more relevant to the present times. The conference was informed that in the last two years, because of the various initiatives of the state government, Rs 5,000 crore of new investments have been grounded in the state, most of it in expansion of existing units. Leveraging the new Industrial Park and Make In Punjab policies, the state government is confident of crystallising more investments by boosting public-private partnerships.       

Photos By : Life In Chandigarh

Addressing the inaugural session, Punjab Additional Chief Secretary Industry, Commerce and Investment Promotion Vini Mahajan reminded the participants that Punjab has traditionally aspired to be No. 1 in whatever it does and its indomitable spirit does not allow it to settle for anything less. She expressed confidence that maintaining that tradition, Punjab will once again lead the nation in manufacturing and will restore the trust in the rest of the country that whatever comes out of Punjab is excellence personified.

“We are committed to hand hold and fully support companies keen on investing in Punjab. The state government is steadfast in its resolve to ensure 100% facilitation and zero interference to enable the industry to prosper. The inspections regime will no longer be person driven and all transactions will be done through a portal for ease of doing business. Efforts are being made to remove all the other pain points as well for investors in the state,” she added.

Emphasising that a pragmatic policy and guidelines have been laid out for setting up new industrial parks, she invited CII to support the state machinery in meetings its intended development goals by ensuring that the industry members make the best use of the structured policy framework provisioned by the government. She also assured the industry that the state government is aspiring to provide an enabling ecosystem for industrial growth and is aggressively working towards skill development, provisioning employment, supporting startups as well as building quality infrastructure.

1,000 Acre Industrial Park At Rajpura

Updating the gathering on the latest developments, Vini Mahajan said a few private industrial parks have already started coming up as a result of these policy initiatives and more are expected to follow suit. The state government is also aggressively pursuing its plans to set up its own 1,000 acre industrial park in Rajpura in collaboration with the central government under the Industrial Park Scheme of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), she added.

The ACS-Industry asserted that despite the financial crunch being faced by the state government, funds will not be allowed to become a constraint in upgradation of infrastructure, especially roads, in the existing focal points in the state with the help of the central government. Work is already in progress in four focal points and plans are in process of being finalised for eight more. Infrastructure and facilities will be upgraded in all focal points in the state by the end of 2020, she promised.

She shared that plants for tertiary treatment of wastewater are being set up to provide regular treated water to the industry and common facilities clusters are being planned as per demand of various MSMEs.

Confiding in the audience that so far Government of India funds for infrastructure upgradation of the export industry were not being availed of by the Punjab government, which is being done now, she said the existing STPI in Mohali is being upgraded by setting up of a Centre for Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI) there and another STPI has been planned to be opened in Amritsar.

Seeking the industry’s partnership in developing a startup culture in the state, by supporting the efforts of promising young startups, Vini Mahajan also sought its support in making the recently launched Make In Punjab policy a success story. The policy gives preference in government procurements to locally manufactured goods.

Punjab Government Backing

Earlier, saluting the enterprising spirit of Punjab, which boasts of among other things the biggest tractor manufacturing plant in the country, the biggest bicycle manufacturing plant in the world and the biggest food park in the country, Rajat Agarwal, CEO, Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion, said all the state government initiatives are aimed at encouraging faster adoption of technology, upskilling the work force and providing easy finance options to the industry.  

He also informed the participants that the industry incentive structure in Punjab encourages upgradation, diversification, expansion and modernisation of existing industries, with special focus on the MSME sector. The government support is aimed at boosting industry competitiveness, ensuring quality compliance, revival of sick units, strengthening R&D centres and establishing centres of excellence. The announcement of a research centre in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to be opened in IIT Ropar in collaboration with National Chung Cheng University of Taiwan is a welcome development, he added. 

Cos. Should Have DNA To Win

Vijay Kalra, CEO, Mahindra Vehicle Manufacturers Limited, and Chief of Manufacturing Operations, Mahindra &Mahindra Ltd, felt that in this increasingly dynamic world, when rules of the game are changing at a brisk pace and forecasting growth trends is becoming almost impossible, manufacturing companies need to become more flexible and agile in all aspects of their business model. “In an emerging scenario where you either win, or lose, there being no room for a draw, companies need to have the DNA to win,” he added.

Kalra stressed that “Our knowledge and skills become huge differentiators in using technology and innovation to our advantage. We cannot win by just aping the advanced economies in adopting technologies, systems and processes. We have to choose what is best suited to our business lines. A healthy mix of advanced technology and traditional wisdom is the key to our competitiveness,” was his advice to the gathering.

Time To Show Mettle In Manufacturing

Displaying a never-say-die attitude, Kamal Bali, President & Managing Director, Volvo Group India, described the present times, when the Indian economy is showing clear signs of a slowdown, as “challenging but exciting” despite the doomsayers having a field day. “I see hope and opportunity in the shift which is happening, when new boundaries are being drawn and existing boundaries being challenged. We have proven our mettle in IT, now it’s time to show that in manufacturing as well. For that we need to plan for the future to stay ahead of the curve,” he opined.

Dwelling on various trends that are driving the future of businesses, he said the speed of digitalisation, rapid urbanisation, a clear shift from asset-led to idea-led business models, change in customer demand from products to 360 degree solutions, challenges of sustainability and need for new and emerging skill sets, have marked a shift in fortunes of companies. While some iconic companies have been consigned to history, younger and more innovative brands are charting a new course, creating wealth for all stakeholders in the process, he shared.

Arrogance of large companies is fast making way for a more collaborative approach, he said, adding that only companies which remain economically competitive, socially inclusive and environmentally friendly will hope to survive in the future.

Achieving 25% Share Of GDP

The top honcho of Volvo Group India was emphatic in saying that “India needs to fire its manufacturing sector and strive to not only leap-frog but pole-vault into the future by achieving an at least 25% share of the country’s GDP. With a current share of 15% of GDP, India’s manufacturing sector is lagging far behind some of the world economies anchored by manufacturing like Germany, China, Japan and South Korea, with percentage share in their national GDPs ranging between 22-30%, he informed.

He felt that for this to happen, the government has to aggressively make policy interventions to not only fire local demand but also create a domestic ecosystem where land, capital and labour costs are aligned to sustain the competitiveness of manufacturing operations in the country.

Skilling of manpower in tune with modern day and future requirements is also of paramount importance for the manufacturing sector. Private sector has to play a very important role in this by collaborating with the government to revamp the education system from secondary school level, so that it is geared to produce a job-ready workforce, he averred.

Replace Flab With Muscle

MM Singh, Executive Advisor, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, while acknowledging the concern and anxiety in the market on account of the slowing demand, felt that it is not unexpected. “We have seen these ups and downs, with slowdowns happening cyclically every 10-12 years. Volatility is here to stay. We have to see how flexible we are in our approach to business, to be able to adjust to changing situations,” he said, adding that “certain level of complacency invariably sets in when the going is good, and the current challenges have thrown up an opportunity to dwell deep into our systems and processes and replace the flab with muscle.”

“This is no time to cry, but to rise to the challenge. Look here and there and everywhere. There will be some flab everywhere. Experience has shown that productivity can be improved by 20-30% by revisiting your own practices and operational procedures, resulting in matching cut in costs,” he shared from his experience.

Stressing on the need for maintaining quality of output at all costs, and creating a safe and conducive atmosphere for employees in factories, Singh shared his favourite example of a Maruti vendor being persistently resistant to changes being suggested in his work environment. When, finally the supplier was persuaded to add some more facilities for his workforce, to his utter surprise productivity shot up by as much as 80%. Regular maintenance of machinery is another very crucial factor in cutting down costs and wastages of materials and costs, he said, adding that general tendency to overlook this aspect of operations often leads to disruptions.

He opined that blindly following global trends and practices may not be the answer to modernising manufacturing operations in India, “we have to devise indigenous solutions best suited to the peculiar environment of individual businesses by delving deep into our own knowledge and skills.”

Govt-Industry Cooperation Must

Harish Chavan, Chairman, CII Punjab State and CEO, Mahindra & Mahindra (Swaraj division), while stressing the need for manufacturing entities to increase their internal competitiveness, said government and industry cooperation is necessary to spur growth of the manufacturing sector in Punjab. “CII would be happy to partner the government not only in exposing the companies to the emerging opportunities, but also in making them aware of the stringent performance expectations necessary to succeed,” he added.

Later moderating a session on Flexible Manufacturing to Create Long Term Sustainable Businesses, Kamal Bali, while setting the context, spelled out a 10-point formula for success of manufacturing in the present challenging times, and for the future. Among the points he raised were : contributing to the success of your customer, becoming globally competitive, focussing on quality, safety and machine maintenance, taking care of employees as partners, becoming flexible and agile, ensuring tracking of global trends, adopting holistic IT, shifting from mass production to mass customisation and adopting diversity in the workforce. 

Induct Woman Force In Manufacturing

He shared with the gathering the success story of Volvo Group India in its experiment to demolish the male bastion in manufacturing and inducting a large female workforce. The initiative has paid rich dividends to the company, he said, adding that 30-50% women workforce could do a world of good to the manufacturing units.

Gaurav Sarup, MD, Marshall Machines Limited, which provides complete machining solutions to manufacture a wide variety of components like axles, crankshafts, auto parts, fans, pumps, etc., expressed the need for transformation in the way we work on production lines with increased flexibility, affordable automation and Industry 4.0 technologies and practices. These are necessary to overcome the problem of profits being under severe pressure, existing and growing shortfall of skilled manpower and factories performing at
sub-optimal levels, he added.

Anil Sehgal, Director, MT Autocraft Limited, a leading automotive machined components and assemblies supplier for automotive and farm industry, while speaking on ‘Flexible Manufacturing System’ gave the example of Mahindra & Mahindra, starting with Scorpio, and  rolling out one car after another in the last two decades from the same platform. Tesla has likewise scaled up its production from 7,000 units per month to 30,000 units per month, he said, adding that, with tooling changing by the day, there is a need for flexible low cost automation machines, which can adapt to newer technologies. He emphasised that mass customisation, which is the need of the hour, is possible with these machines.

Giving a presentation on ‘Robots & Integration’, Karan Kantoor, Director, Encon Systems International, one of the leading providers of robotics, factory automation and industrial safety solutions, opined that the man and machines have to be aligned for optimum results and outcomes.

He said collaborative robots (or cobots) are in great demand with increasing automation of operations in manufacturing units. Their deployment in various processes leads to significant reduction in wastage of materials. Allaying fears of widespread downsizing of the workforce where robots or cobots are deployed in the manufacturing process, he claimed that in 90% cases it is seen that there is no retrenchment. The workforce just gets redeployed elsewhere in the manufacturing unit, he added.

Intervening during a discussion, MM Singh expressed the need for owners of manufacturing units to visit their plants and factories more often. It has been seen that 90% of the owners do not visit their operations at all, because of which there is a disconnection between the owner and the workforce. This is suicidal in these challenging times, which demand that everyone in an organisation takes its ownership and all collectively put their heads together in finding solutions to constantly remain ahead of the curve, he added.

Get Engineers Exited In Manufacturing

Reflecting on the disturbing trend of engineers not showing passion in their work, which shows in their lack of interest in visiting the production line and introducing innovations, Kamal Bali made an impassioned appeal for bringing back glory to the manufacturing sector. “We have to get the engineers excited about Industry 4.0, which is being billed as the 4th Industrial Revolution. With modern manufacturing becoming a hybrid of IT and traditional ways, it is now a very cool proposition for enterprising young engineers, he said. 

Advising manufacturers not to remain confined to just generating products, he said “They must serve a higher purpose of making their customers succeed by staying with them till the entire life cycle of the product. Even small and medium manufacturers should strive to create brands. They can learn from entrepreneurs in Germany and Sweden who have created brands of their own, and are really proud of them.

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

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Punjab-based FMCG Major Looks To Increase Capacities, Target Retail Segment

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Punjab-based FMCG Major Looks To Increase Capacities, Target Retail Segment

The first and only mega food park in Himachal Pradesh, Cremica Food Park, a 55 acre facility in Una district of the hill state, is all set to provide much needed plug and play like infrastructure and facilities to small and medium food processing units. Punjab-based Rs 350 crore turnover FMCG major Cremica Food Industries Limited, which has invested Rs 120 crore in the project, has reserved 30% of the land for its own expansion plans, and is leasing out the rest to food processing MSMEs on attractive terms.

In a recent conversation with LifeInChandigarh.com, Vice President (Technical) of the company Aziz Khan said Cremica Food Industries Limited has already set up one of the largest and state of the art and tomato processing facilities, with an installed capacity of processing 650 metric tonnes of tomatoes per day in the park. Apart from that three MSMEs – Una MiRicle Foods (makers of jams and sauces), Nec Rotoflex Packaging Corporation (which packages fruit concentrate, apple juice concentrate, carrot juice and apple puree concentrate) and Trusted Food (makers of pickles) – have already moved in to set up their units, and more are in the process.

Photos By : Life In Chandigarh

The integrated agro-processing cluster, with modern common processing facilities and infrastructure solutions, is offering Indian and global food processing companies ready-to-move standard design factory (SDF) units and built-to-suit plots of various sizes on pre-leased basis. Apart from availing ready-to-use facilities, which saves them investment and time to set up their own, the companies manufacturing in the park become eligible for a slew of government concessions and incentives under the mega food park scheme of the Government of India.  

Strategically located close to vegetable and fruit growing belts in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, the park offers abundant water supply and reliable power supply. The common facilities on offer are testing laboratory, cleaning, grading, sorting and packaging facilities, dry warehouses, specialised storage facilities, including controlled atmosphere chambers, pressure ventilators, variable humidity stores, pre-cooling chambers, ripening chambers and cold chain infrastructure. Reefer vans, packaging unit, irradiation facilities, steam sterilisation units, steam-generating units, food incubation-cum-development centres, etc., are some of the other infrastructure available to them.

Khan shared that the company is going ahead with its plans to set up separate plants of its own in the mega food park to make apple juice concentrate, ready to serve fruit juices, jams, pickles, etc to supplement the capacities of its existing manufacturing facilities at Phillaur in Punjab and Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh, where one more unit is planned. It is also looking for tie-ups with the other units being established in the food park. “We have a potentially huge market to cater to, and our supplies are falling short,” he added.

Cremica Food Industries Limited, the country’s largest producer of mayonnaise and third largest producer of tomato ketchup, has so far been concentrating on the business to business (B2B) segment, which accounts for roughly 70% of its business, with chains of fast food joints, restaurants and hotels as their main clients. But now plans are afoot to increase its presence in the retail segment as well. Other food products in the offing are ready to cook and ready to eat foods, which are in great demand in the hospitality industry as well in the retail market.

 LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

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Healthy Lifestyle Foods In Prospect For Diabetes, BP & Obesity Patients

Sanjeev Kochhar
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Healthy Lifestyle Foods In Prospect For Diabetes, BP & Obesity Patients

Modern lifestyle food products are not about taste and quality alone. Established and popular brands are increasingly becoming conscious about the health of their customers. The Rs 350 crore worth home bred food products company, Cremica Food Industries Limited, is readying to bring to the market scientifically and medically validated sauces, dressings and jams with low Glycemic Index (GI) which may help reduce risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and obesity.

The company on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding with Mohali based National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), which in collaboration with the endocrinology department of the PGI Chandigarh, will undertake a six-months study of the food products having low GI and understand its effects on consumers and other subjects.

Announcing this at a news media conference at the NABI campus in Knowledge City (Sector 81) Mohali, Dr TR Sharma, Executive Director, NABI, institute scientist Dr Mahendra Bishnoi and Dr Sanjay Badada, Professor in the Department of Endocrinology, PGI Chandigarh, who have conceived, and will personally monitor the test programme, said a lot of companies make tall claims about the health aspects of their food products, but these need to be validated scientifically and medically by creditable independent agencies for the consumers to actually believe them.

Though the test programme is funded by Cremica, the joint effort of NABI and PGI will be strictly guided by scientific, medical and professional protocols in the interests of the consumers, Dr Sharma asserted.

Photo By : Life In Chandigarh

GI measures how carbohydrates-containing food raises blood glucose levels. Foods which are low on GI scale tend to release glucose slowly and with greater regularity. Hence, they may foster weight loss.

In an interaction with NABI scientists, Cremica Industries Vice President (Technical) Aziz Khan claimed that Cremica had developed low GI sauces, dressings and jam, specially made with low GI-based sugars. “We have been able to reduce the GI scale in some of our food products from 80-90 to 60-70, and further efforts are being made by the company to further bring them down to 20-30,” he informed.

Describing this as remarkable, if these scales are validated independently, Dr Badada said low GI foods will not only benefit diabetics, but also pre diabetics. Intake of these can also prevent diabetes among normal people, he added. In the light of these observations, he suggested that if the low GI food products get validated in the test programme, the company must introduce these in the market at affordable price points so that all sections of society can benefit, and not just the elite section.

A number of other senior scientists from NABI were also present. Apart from Aziz Khan, the Cremica team comprised GM Quality Arun Talwar, Vice President Human Resources Nikhil Bhuchchar, Regulatory Affairs Head Ajay Sharma and DGM Marketing Vivek Pathak.

LifeInChandigarh.com  by APR Media House is an enjoyable digital reading startup, which keeps you abreast of the latest meaningful happenings of interest to large sections of folks in Chandigarh tricity, and expats from the region. It has been promoted by a public spirited senior journalist and media consultant with a view to encourage good quality and healthy journalism, a dire need of the times.

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