MoU signed, Punjab plans R&D centre for Jalandhar’s sports goods, leather industry

Jalandhar: To give an impetus to the sports goods and leather industry of Jalandhar and make it competitive at a global level, Punjab govt on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with MSME-Technology Development Centre (PPDC), Meerut, to open an extension centre in Jalandhar."Due to strenuous efforts of the state govt, this centre will be opened here to give a fillip to the sports industry by ensuring its research and development (R&D)," said Punjab industry minister Sanjiv Arora while addressing a stakeholders' meeting on sports goods manufacturing.He claimed that the initiative was a leap towards strengthen the city's globally renowned sports goods manufacturing sector, adding that the MoU was signed between PPDC, Meerut, and the Govt Institute of Leather and Footwear Technology (GILFT), Jalandhar, for setting up an exclusive technology extension centre in the city. Arora said the agreement was inked by the principal director of PPDC, Meerut, and the principal, GILFT.Describing the initiative as a "game-changer" that would help position Jalandhar's sports industry among the world's leading manufacturing hubs, he said the proposed centre, to be set up at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore, would offer state-of-the-art facilities for testing, training, skill development, and research and development (R&D) to meet evolving global standards.NITI Aayog vice-chairman Suman Bery called upon local manufacturers to focus on quality and innovation, stating that sustained investment in these areas would pave the way for creating strong global brands. Punjab chief secretary KAP Sinha, NITI Aayog senior advisor Sanjeet Singh, and Punjab industry and commerce secretary Kamal Kishore Yadav were also present.Earlier in the day, a NITI Aayog team visited prominent sports goods manufacturing units in Jalandhar, including Saavi International, Alpha Hockey, and Shrey Sports. Mukul Verma of Saavi International briefed the team on Jalandhar-made products being used on global platforms, including rugby balls used in the Women's Rugby World Cup and hockey equipment that featured in the Olympics.An exhibition showcasing Jalandhar-made sports goods, safety gear, and related equipment was also organised.