India enjoys an edge in manpower: report 
Seema Hakhu Kachru

With the emergence of a vast domestic market and relatively low-cost workers with advanced technical skills, India is on the verge of becoming a manufacturing powerhouse within the next five to 10 years. More and more multinationals are setting up manufacturing operations in India. Ford, Hyundai and Suzuki all export cars from India in significant numbers. LG, Motorola and Nokia all either make handsets in India or have plans to start, with a sizeable share of production being exported, according to a new report.

Schneider, ABB, Honeywell and Siemens have set up plants to manufacture electrical and electronic products for domestic and export markets, a report from Houston said.

The new report, entitled "What's Next for India: Beyond the Back Office," by The Boston Consulting Group and Knowledge@Wharton, says India has been behind in the manufacturing sector mainly due to poor infrastructure, bureaucratic red tape and restrictive labour laws.

Over the past five or six years, many firms have restructured their manufacturing operations and implemented world-class practices," says Arindam Bhattacharya, a partner in BCG's New Delhi office.

“Slowly but surely, they have started building a globally competitive manufacturing base in industries like pharmaceuticals, auto components, cars and motorcycles.” — PTI

Field wide open for engineers

The manufacturing sector is expanding fast and so are the job opportunities in this field, says Dr S.K. Salwan, Vice-Chancellor, PTU. Excerpts from an interview:

What are the career prospects in this field?

As it is an inter-disciplinary subject, it needs the integration of mechanical, electronics and computer skills. An innovative, intelligent and hardworking student will able to make a mark.

What will be the scenario in the next five to 10 years?

Reports indicate a slight decrease in the popularity of information technology among the present generation due to its limited scope in the country. The manufacturing sector is one area that will never lose its charm. Its demand is increasing with the pace of industrialisation. Manufacturing engineers can never be out of job.

Is the government taking steps to create more jobs in this sector?

The government is required to open up the sector for creating more jobs as the manufacturing sector will drive the GDP growth of 9 to 10 per cent.

How popular are these courses among the youth?

Today, B.Tech (mechanical engineering) is the second choice of the students for admission to engineering after B.Tech (electronics). With the introduction of specialisation in manufacturing engineering, the course is likely to be popular as the job prospects and pay packages are high.

Is any other university conducting such courses in this region?

Other universities are running B.Tech (production engg).

— Vishal Gulati