Evaluation Study MSE Cluster Development - Ministry of Micro ...

Chapter No: 3 – The Cluster Development Executive/Agent3.8 Functional Resource Requirement of CDEsHaving discussed the role and functions of the CDEs, the functional competencies andtraining needs of the CDEs, and also the tennurial conditions of CDEs, we must nowdiscuss the resources and facilities that are required by the CDE especially in the contextof the varied functions and responsibilities that are expected of him.The functions and responsibilities of the CDE are extremely challenging and requires himto be in close and constant touch with all the individual cluster units at all times. Thisoften requires him to functions from an independent field office located at a closeproximity to, if not in, the cluster area itself. To ensure his availability he must alsoreside close to the cluster. In this regard the ideal arrangement would be that he isprovided with a residence cum field office facility along with adequate officeinfrastructure and some office assistance.The CDEs functions also involve networking with a large number of other stakeholders,BDS providers, S & T Institutions, Equipment Suppliers, Market Promotion Agencies andthe like. His job thus requires frequent travel and communication both within andoutside the cluster area. He thus needs to be provided Communication and Transportfacilities/allowances. The frequent work related travel outside the cluster area and longhours of work, entails daily allowances and other special field allowances. These areoften provided as “perks” and through “generous” reimbursements in the corporate world(which includes public sector firms) for executives with far lesser functions andresponsibilities as compared to the CDE.The CDE also requires the support of a Mentor/Mentor Institution which can guide andassist him in carrying out his functions effectively. The effectiveness of the CDE isconsiderably enhanced if a Local Network Agent who resides within the cluster area andis well versed in the local language and culture assists him. The Mentor/MentorInstitution, the CDE, and the Network Agent form a core team that can function far moreeffectively as compared to a lone CDE. The provision of this additional field assistanceseems necessary considering the varied functions and responsibilities expected of a CDE.Finally the CDE also requires regular training for updating and keeping abreast with thefunctional skills essential for effectively carrying out his tasks.In Table 3.5 we have recorded the responses of the CDEs regarding the adequacy ofresources as well as the additional assistance required. It is seen that 10 of the 21 CDEscontacted during this study report that the resources provided to effectively carry outtheir functions and responsibilities are adequate. However there are 11 CDEs thatconsider the resources inadequate. As for the specific type of additional facilities andassistance required the number of responses is uniformly large in the case of all 5categories of assistance. This issue needs to be looked into and all attempts made toallocate additional resources for the purpose during the 11th plan period.73