The State Level Advisory Board Meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Shri V.K.Jairath, IAS, Secretary (Inds), Govt. of Maharashtra on 25^th August, 2006. Shri G.M.Ambhore, Director, SISI Mumbai briefed the Chairman about the highlights & achievements during the financial year 2005-06. The action taken report of the previous year was also presented to the Chairman.

The different Industries Associations in Maharashtra has submitted their suggestions and informed about the problems faced by them. The Chairman noted and advised necessary action wherever required.

The representatives of different State & Central Government Offices were present for the meeting.

The Small Industries Service Institute, Mumbai conducted CRR programme in the year 2005-06 in India United Mills, Unit No.1 and Unit No.6. The target group was VRS Optees to be released by NTC in near future. The training was imparted in the disciplines like House Wiring and Repairs of Domestic Home Appliances, Fancy Leather & Rexin items, Basic Computer Training and exposure on consumer items like repacking of spray bottles, essence sticks etc. 176 VRS Optees have been trained in 2005-06. As on date it is found that 76 trainees have started their ventures on self-employment.

The valedictory function of the programme was organised at the Training Centre of India United Mills at Parel, Mumbai. Shri Manohar (Bhau) Kulkarni, President, Laghu Udyog Bharati, Mahrashtra, Shri M.R.Khambete, President, Chamber of Small Industry Associations, Shri O.P.Agrawal, Managing Director, NTC(MN) Ltd., Shri G.M.Ambhore, Director, SISI, Mumbai and some Union representatives of Rashtriya Mill Mazdoor Sanghatana were present. The guests of honour from Industries Associations motivated the trainees by sharing their experiences and giving assurance to explore the possibilities of redeployment in small scale industrial units. Shri G.M. Ambhore, Director, SISI, Mumbai, in his keynote address, advised the participants to be constantly in touch with SISI for all kinds of follow up services and help required for their ventures. The event was well covered by Press Information Bureau, Zee News Marathi, ETV Marathi, Doordarshan, Times of India, Lokmat and many local newspapers.