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

Chapter No: 4 – Soft Interventions in Sampled ClustersProgramme, and if carefully planned, selected, and sequentially implemented accordingto the specific characteristics and related needs of a cluster, can have a lasting impact.However it has been observed on the basis of our study that these soft interventionshave not been implemented scientifically and rigorously and that both the content andefforts related to these interventions have been rather ineffective and diffused. As suchsoft interventions have not had the desired impact. The present level of ineffectivenessof these important interventions is likely to be on account of several important factors.The major reasons however seem to be that the required competencies among the CDEsis quite low. This can only be improved through proper recruitment, tennural conditions,and the training of CDEs, issues that have been discussed in some detail in the earlierchapters.The second reason, we feel is due to the extended period of three years over which ‘soft’interventions have been carried out, this is likely to cause slackness which in turn couldlead to a loss of interest among cluster actors who are always keen of quick and concreteresults.The third major reason seems to be the use of the term “soft” which is likely to give theimpression that these interventions need not be taken too seriously. This does not meanthat soft interventions are ineffective and thus unnecessary. These interventions areextremely important and need to be effectively implemented through the adoption of amore focused and professional approach.4.3 Earmarking of Funds for “Soft” InterventionsThere are four major components that constitute enabling interventions. These are asfollows:The conduct of a comprehensive diagnostic study and its proper evaluation. It isdesirable that the diagnostic study, be undertaken by a competent institution in detailedconsultation with the CDE and the Local Network Agent (LNA), and this important tasknot be carried out by the CDE alone as is the practice at present. Moreover there is aneed to further evaluate this diagnostic study before it is finally accepted. This finalevaluation should also be undertaken by a competent agency having adequate expertiseon the subject.Group and individual contact and interaction meetings between the Mentor /CDE andLNA and the individual cluster actors. These meetings provide the opportunity tofamiliarize the cluster actors with the objectives and related advantages of the ClusterDevelopment Programme. These meetings also lead to building trust and confidenceamong cluster actors and induce the necessary attitudinal changes for joint and mutuallybeneficial initiatives. This activity involves frequent travel by the key functionaries withinthe cluster and also the dissemination of the collective plan of action and other relatedinformation.Demonstration visits to successful Clusters, Scientific and Research Institutions,Industrial Fairs and Exhibitions enabling cluster actors to observe, interact and explorethe possibilities and potential of cluster development.84