Kolkata airport bags Vishwakarma Award 2014

KOLKATA: The Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC), established by the Planning Commission, has awarded the Airports Authority of India for the new integrated passenger terminal building at Kolkata airport under Category 'Best Construction Project-2014'.

The award was presented to Kolkata airport director BP Sharma in Delhi by the CIDC chairman in the presence of members of board of governors of CIDC and other guests from constructions industries and PSUs.

The Planning Commission jointly with the Indian construction industry set up CIDC to take up and promote activities for the development of the Indian Construction Industry.

""It is a matter of great satisfaction for Airports Authority of India and people of Kolkata that the new terminal at the airport has received yet anotehr award,"" said Sharma. Before this, the airport had received an International prestigious Award from Airports Council International (ACI) for "Best Improvement Airport Award in Asia Pacific Region" during, 2013.

Indian construction Industry: Challenges ahead

In India, construction is the second largest economic activity after agriculture. Construction accounts for nearly 65 per cent of the total investment in infrastructure and is expected to be the biggest beneficiary of the surge in infrastructure investment over the next five years. Investment in construction accounts for nearly 11 per cent of India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The construction industry has been witness to a strong growth wave powered by large spends on housing, road, ports, water supply, and rail transport and airport development.

India, as the world's seventh largest country by area and second biggest by population, is one of the most dynamically growing, but largely untapped construction equipment markets. From 2014 to 2020, it is estimated to grow six times to a size of about USD25 billion, says Japnit Singh, Senior Director, Singapore and India of Spire Research and Consulting.

The Planning Commission jointly with the Indian construction industry has set up Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) to take up activities for the development of the Indian construction industry. The Council provides the impetus and organizational infrastructure to raise quality levels across the industry.

This helps to secure wider appreciation of the interests of construction business by the government, industry and peer groups in society. CIDC is a change agent to accelerate a process of self-reform that should enable the industry to answer the challenges of the future.

While the construction sector's growth has fallen as compared to the pre-2008 period, it has picked up in the recent past. Its share as a percentage of GDP has increased considerably as compared to the last decade. To put things in perspective, the total investment in infrastructure - which in this case includes roads, railways, ports, airports, electricity, telecommunications, oil gas pipelines and irrigation - is estimated to have increased from 5.7% of GDP in 2007 to around 8 % by 2012, says Spire Research and Consulting.

Boom in construction equipment

The construction equipment sector in India has been growing at a scorching pace of 30% annually, mainly driven by the huge investments being made by the government and the private sector in infrastructure development. The growth of this sector is directly interlinked with the growth of the Indian economy and indirectly with the growth of infrastructure. 

The last few years is a phase of restructuring in the industry through acquisitions and joint ventures. This also reflects the active interest of international majors in the domestic market. Many international players have been looking for importing and selling complete equipment in India. Some international companies are looking at the prospects of enhancing their market presence based on higher investment in mining and infrastructure and also using their Indian operations to meet demand in India. 

The construction equipment-rental business in India, which currently accounts for only around 7 to 8 per cent of the size of the global industry, is another growth driver.

FDI norms to be eased

A draft note to be submitted to the Cabinet once it is finalized, is proposing to ease conditions under entry guidelines, minimum area requirement and minimum lock-in period for investments. Current FDI policy permits 100% foreign investment, including in housing, townships and construction infrastructure with several restrictions. These include a three-year lock-in period for investments in housing and townships, a minimum built-up area of 50,000 square meters and minimum capitalisation of $10 million for wholly-owned subsidiaries.

To make the sector more attractive, the Housing Ministry has proposed that the minimum lock-in period be reduced, the built-up area required be brought down to 20,000 sq. m and minimum capitalization reduced to $5 million.

Procuring capital from foreign investors for projects in India

As opportunities in the sector continue to come to the fore, foreign direct investment has been moving upwards. The real estate and construction sectors received FDI of €216.53 million in the first half of the current fiscal year.

To maintain consistent growth, foreign investment is crucial for India. The Indian Government has indicated its intention to create an environment, friendly to foreign investors by allowing foreign direct investment (FDI) up to 100 per cent in 2005 in townships, built-up housing and construction development projects with the liberalization of FDI regulations. Also, the recent decision of Indian Government of opening up retail in multi brand will not just benefit the retail industry but will also push up the demand for commercial real estate throughout the country.

According to statistics available with Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Construction development (including townships, housing, built-up infrastructure & construction-development projects) sector has attracted a cumulative foreign direct investment worth USD 22,007.67 million from April 2000 to February 2013. FDI flows into the construction sector for the period April 12 - February 13 stood at USD 1,260 million. The Indian Construction Industry is an integral part of the economy.

Liberalization of policies and a deliberate attempt made by the Indian Government can open several doors to the construction companies. Opening up of FDI in relation to township, housing, built-up infrastructure and construction of development projects by allowing FDI upto 100% under automatic route was the first step towards promoting the participation of the foreign investors in construction industry.

Challenges ahead:

• Poor penetration of construction equipment and a large dependence on skilled labour
• Current economic situation may have an adverse impact on construction industry
• High cost of capital coupled with a lack of options for rental equipment
• Poor transportation infrastructure to move equipment and material opportunities
• Continuous private sector housing boom will create more construction opportunities
• A hunger for technology amongst investors who are frustrated about long turnover time and project delays
• A growing demand for prefabricated construction
• Public sector projects through Public Private Partnerships will bring further opportunities
• Developing supply chain through involvement in large projects is likely to enhance the chance in construction.
• Renewable energy projects will offer opportunities to develop skills and capacity in new markets
• More flexible training delivery techniques are now available

Spire Research and Consulting is a leading strategic market research consultancy specialising in global emerging markets - the Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Russia/CIS. Spire focuses on holistic research projects, which integrate traditional customer research with knowledge of the broader business eco-system. 

Through its growth-focused solution portfolio, Spire Research and Consulting helps its clients with strategic decision-making for market growth and entry. Spire's management team works through its eight country offices, international advisors and local associates in over 30 countries to bring to each project the highest standards of research conceptualization, execution and delivery. 

The Spire Group has delivered over 1,000 market research and consulting projects for over 50 Global Fortune 1000 firms.

Dr PR Swarup bags EPC World Awards 2012

Dr. P.R. Swarup, Director General, Construction Industry Development Council, receiving the award.

New Delhi: Dr. P.R. Swarup, Director General, Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) has been conferred with the 'EPC world Awards  2012' under the category Special Achievement Awards in the field of Human Resource Development for the Indian  Construction & Infrastructure Industry. 

The award ceremony was held on December 15 at hotel Ashoka in New Delhi.

EPC World Media Group has been presenting the award for the past three years to recognise the qualitative and quantitative performance, innovation and strategic initiatives of the companies, individuals & projects in the field of Infrastructure & Construction sector in India, CIDC release said.

Of creating skilled workforce for Construction Industry

In an effort to increase the truncated supply of skilled workers in the construction industry, Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC), Bhartiya Vidya Mandir (BVM) and Simplex Infrastructures Ltd. (SIL) have joined hands to provide ‘On The Job Training’ (OJT) to those who wish to chart their career in Construction Industry. 

The training focus will be on development of technical competency as a well as soft skills under the industry‘s corporate social responsibility mandate.

While there has been a surfeit of construction activities across the nation, the pace of supply of

skilled workforce has not matched the demand.  Getting the perfect mix of skilled and unskilled workers and where to source them for effective project deliveries is a big challenge. The lack of on job training and apprenticeship schemes within the construction industry further constricts the free flow of skilled labour in the industry.

While schemes like MGNREGS and developmental activities in traditional labour surplus states like MP, Bihar, UP, Chhattisgarh have checked migration to the cities, there has always been the lure of competing industries like manufacturing, IT, retail etc with which the Indian Construction Industry has to compete for its fair supply of skilled human resources, CIDC said in a statement.

High demand, good career prospects and stable growth of the industry are some of the pull factors that act as incentives for one to work in the construction industry.  The growing scale and increasing numbers of projects, require skills sets that are in acute short supply. Though there is abundant talent in the market, but still industry players are unable to find employees fitting their requirements as per their specific needs. If the workforce is available, then soft skills and site exposure are found lacking in a candidate. 

A concerted effort for increasing employability of the workforce and to make it more productive has always been wanting. OJT is an initiative that has brought CIDC, BVM and SIL together to enter into a tripartite MOU and work towards raising productivity, quality and safety benchmarks of the work force in the Indian Construction Industry.  All three stakeholders have their roles clearly defined to support this initiative. While CIDC will provide the technical training, BVM will impart soft skills and post successful completion of the two, the candidates shall be deputed as On the job trainees at the construction sites of Simplex Infrastructures Ltd.

 

The training focus will be on skill value addition at each stage of the course and the trainees will also be provided with safety gear and insurance. Construction tools, materials, plants and other required items will be provided by Simplex and onsite training duration will vary between 45-60 days. Simplex will also provide training infrastructure at site to conduct classes and supervisory level accommodation, food etc to the trainers and trainees.

Post completion, candidates will undergo a comprehensive testing and certification process to get their skills certified.  A portion of the successful trainees will be employed by Simplex and the balance can avail placement facilitation services of CIDC through participation in Rozgar Melas and placement meets.

REC joins hands with CIDC to train construction workers

New Delhi: The Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) has been taking measures to fill the gap of bringing in more skilled workers in the construction industry, which has been under severe strain due to lack of trained professionals. CIDC has entered in to service agreement with various knowledge hubs to impart training to the skilled and unskilled workers of the industry.

In an yet another move, CIDC has signed MoU with Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) for training /skill development and placement of 500 rural /semi urban youth from economically weaker sections in skills relating to construction industry.

Rajeev Sharma, CMD of REC and other senior executives, Vinod Behari, Executive Director HR/CSR signed MoU with Rajeev Jain, Sr. Addl. Director, CIDC.

REC will be giving an assistance of Rs152.55 lakh to CIDC under this CSR initiative, in the first year.
The CIDC has been set up jointly by the Planning Commission, Government of India and the Indian construction industry. They are an umbrella organisation for the construction industry in India and have a national presence with branches across the country.

CIDC undertake a wide range of activities to benefit the construction industry. This includes conducting training at various levels, organising workshops and conferences, publishing journals and newsletters, welfare programs for construction workers, grading, placement and other developmental programs.

Earlier, the CIDC has entered into an agreement with Naya Raipur Development Authority, Raipur, Chattisgarh, for training, testing & certification of project affected people of Naya Raipur project in construction sector. The construction body also had signed an MoU with Periyar Maniammai University in Tamil Nadu for training, research and education including HRD with special emphasis on emerging technologies and there usage for skill development.

Construction Workers Training Programme

CIDC has developed a Construction Workers Training Programme to enhance the proficiencies of various trades in Construction Engineering focused at developing the employees of construction organizations working at execution of Construction Workers level duties.

The Construction Workers Training Programme of CIDC is aims to enhance the requisite proficiencies of Construction Engineering in an individual enhancing them to become better performers in their job roles. Targeted at Construction Workers level, the programme is being launched from 1st January 2012 at various locations across the nation.

CIDC trains over 200 NE youths for construction jobs

Agartala: More than 200 educated and poor youths of Northeast have been trained in the last two years under a Central government scheme to create jobs in various construction trades.

The Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) has so far trained 252 youths while 101 are undergoing training and counselling under the Capacity Building and Technical Assistance (CBTA) scheme.

So far, all 252 trained youths have been offered placements and 118 of them have accepted this in various construction trades.

"The training programme provides for 20 percent classroom (theoretical) and 80 percent hands-on practice at a 'live work site' to enable trainees to learn skills required in construction," the ministry of development of north eastern region (DoNER) said in a statement here.

The Planning Commission jointly with the Indian construction industry set up the CIDC two years back to take up activities for the development of the industry.
The training is provided keeping in mind latest technological developments and advancements in the construction sector to make the youth gain meaningful employment, the statement said.

The main objective of the programme is to impart training to candidates from the northeastern region in various construction trades. The DoNER Ministry has so far released Rs 77.47 lakh to the CIDC to undertake the training. The programme is of three months and weekly performance tests are conducted followed by final examination.

CIDC Vishwakarma Awards 2012

New Delhi: Construction Industry Development Council of India (CIDC) has announced extension of last date of submission of nominations for the construction industry’s much coveted ‘Vishwakarma Awards 2012’ till 31st January.

The 4th edition of the award event, which has three new categories and one sub-category for this year’s edition, recognises and honours the valuable contributions and work of Indian construction fraternity that has significantly enriched the construction domain and helped bring about a change in construction practices.

The Vishwakarma awards are inspired by the spirit of construction and creation patronised by Lord Vishwakarma, the ruling deity of the construction practices in India, as per Hindu mythological belief.

CIDC Vishwakarma Awards are meant to motivate individuals' and organisations' contribution in construction domain and to promote replicable best practices in the Indian construction industry.

At the Annual CIDC Vishwakarma Awards, the work and achievements of individuals and organizations is recognised and applauded, according to a release from CIDC, which adds, the awards are an embodiment of encouraging truly successful efforts from individuals and organizations that have made a mark on the present Indian construction industry in terms of delivering better outputs, processes and creating higher benchmarks for construction industry to help in nation building.

To make the process all inclusive and broad based, CIDC Vishwakarma Awards are being given to all representative categories that comprise the entire spectrum of the Indian Construction Industry from artisans to industry doyens, and professionally managed companies.

The Awards cover the entire spectrum of Indian Construction Industry and all the stakeholders both from public and private sector including NGO's. The awards are announced and conferred on the occasion of CIDC Foundation Day every year, according to a note available in the CIDC website.

The uniqueness of the CIDC Vishwakarma Awards is reflected in its recognition of contributions made by individuals such as grass root construction workers, artisans, marginalised sections such as women workers, prison inmates (CIDC is conducting programs for rehabilitation of prison inmates in Madhya Pradesh) to the growth and development of Indian construction industry.

Construction Industry Development Council

The Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC), an apex organisation was established by Planning Commission along with the Construction Industry in 1996 for the development of construction sector and professionalizing the functioning and monitoring of construction activities. The council provides the impetus & organisational infrastructure to raise quality levels across the industry.

This helps to secure wider appreciation of the interests of construction business by the government, industry and peer groups in society. CIDC is a change agent to accelerate a process of self-reform that should enable the industry to answer the challenges of the future. It has membership from various ministries, government departments, PSUs, construction companies, financial institutions, educational institutions and R & D institutions.