The eastern region of India is steadily emerging as a powerful centre for industrial growth, manufacturing expansion, and skill development transformation. With renewed policy momentum, proactive government engagement, and visionary industry leadership, the rubber sector is entering a new era of opportunity and institutional strengthening. At the forefront of this transformation is Arjun Bahri Dhawan, Chairman of the Rubber, Chemical and Polymer Skill Development Council (RCPSDC), whose energetic and future focused leadership is playing a pivotal role in shaping the skilling and industrial roadmap for the sector, particularly across Eastern India. A highly active third generation entrepreneur, Mr. Dhawan represents a legacy deeply rooted in the growth of the rubber industry and the strengthening of industrial institutions in the eastern region. In a significant development, senior representatives from AIRIA and RCPSDC recently held strategic meetings in New Delhi with key leadership from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India.
The proposed study is expected to serve as an important strategic dossier for the industry and policymakers alike. The delegation also highlighted the need to strengthen apprenticeship participation among AIRIA member industries and expand structured industry engagement within the national skilling ecosystem. On 07th May, Arjun Bahri Dhawan, along with AIRIA regional leadership and delegation members and RCPSDC leadership team held strategic discussions with Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSDE, Government of India. The discussions centred around PM SETU and industry linked skilling initiatives aimed at strengthening workforce preparedness, improving employability, and supporting manufacturing competitiveness. For MSMEs, the PM SETU framework offers significant advantages through access to NSQF-aligned certified manpower, improved apprenticeship integration, and reduced training and onboarding costs.
The delegation also included prominent industry leader Anay Gupta, President, All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) and Council Member, RCPSDC, whose continued contribution toward industry collaboration, institutional strengthening, and policy engagement remains highly valued across the sector. Also present were Sanjeev Sikka from the sports goods segment and Vipan Mehta from the footwear sector, reflecting the growing integration of allied manufacturing industries within the skilling and industrial development ecosystem. The broader vision emerging from these engagements is clear: the rubber, polymer, and chemical sectors must move together as integrated growth engines of Indian manufacturing.