Sanjeev Arora–Jitan Ram Manjhi Meet Leads to MSME Ministry Clearing Sports Technology Extension Centre at Jalandhar

December 25, 2025

Chandigarh: In a significant boost to Punjab’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem, particularly the sports goods industry clustered in Jalandhar, the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, has approved the establishment of a Technology Extension Centre (TEC) at Jalandhar under the Hub & Spoke Model.

The decision follows sustained efforts by Punjab Cabinet Minister for Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion and NRI Affairs, Sh. Sanjeev Arora, who had raised the matter with Union Minister for MSME, Sh. Jitan Ram Manjhi, during a meeting held in New Delhi on July 21, 2025.

Focus on Unlocking Export Potential

During the meeting, Sh. Sanjeev Arora underscored the immense export potential of Punjab’s sports goods sector while flagging persistent challenges related to technology upgradation, product development, availability of testing facilities, and compliance with international quality standards.

He strongly advocated for early approval of a Technology Extension Centre of the Process cum Product Development Centre (PPDC), Meerut, at Jalandhar—a proposal that had been pending with the Ministry of MSME for over eight months, despite the State Government having already provided the required infrastructure.

Formal Approval Issued by MSME Ministry

Acceding to the request, the Ministry of MSME, on December 18, 2025, issued an official communication through Principal Director Sh. Aditya Prakash Sharma, calling for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and execution of the lease deed for setting up the TEC at the Government Institute of Leather and Footwear Technology (GILFT), Jalandhar.

The MoU is scheduled to be signed on January 5, 2026, in Jalandhar.

Infrastructure and Operational Details

As per the communication, a total built-up area of 11,166 square feet, spread across the Ground, First and Second Floors of the GILFT building, has already been earmarked for the centre.

The TEC will be mentored by PPDC, Meerut, and will offer a wide range of critical support services, including:

• Advanced product and process development

• Technology transfer

• Testing and quality certification facilitation

• Skill development programmes

• Handholding support for MSMEs

The services will primarily benefit sports goods manufacturers and allied industrial units in the region.

“Game-Changer for Sports Goods Sector”: Sanjeev Arora

Welcoming the approval, Sh. Sanjeev Arora thanked the Union MSME Minister for the timely intervention and said the Technology Extension Centre would prove to be a game-changer for Punjab’s sports goods industry.

“The centre will significantly enhance competitiveness, improve product quality, and help local manufacturers meet global standards, thereby boosting exports,” he said, adding that the Punjab Government is fully committed to extending all necessary support to ensure early operationalisation of the facility.

Strengthening Centre–State Collaboration

The initiative reflects strong Centre–State coordination aimed at strengthening MSMEs, promoting innovation-led growth, and reinforcing Punjab’s position as a leading manufacturing and export hub, particularly in the sports goods sector for which Jalandhar is globally renowned.