Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

Introduction: Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) #

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that works to promote Indian industry and economic growth. Founded in 1895, the CII has played a key role in shaping India’s economic policy and business environment. In this article, we will discuss the history, objectives, structure, and activities of the CII.

History of CII #

The CII was founded in 1895 as the Engineering and Iron Trades Association (EITA) to promote and protect the interests of the engineering and iron trades in India. Over the years, the organization has expanded its scope to include a wide range of industries, and in 1974, it was renamed as the Confederation of Engineering Industry (CEI).

In 1986, the CEI was renamed as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to reflect its broader mandate of promoting Indian industry as a whole. Since then, the CII has become one of the most influential business organizations in India, with a membership base of over 9,000 companies from various sectors.

Objectives of CII #

The main objectives of the CII are to promote economic growth and development in India, to enhance the competitiveness of Indian industry, and to create a favorable business environment for domestic and foreign investors. Some of the specific objectives of the CII include:

1. To provide a platform for dialogue between the government and industry to facilitate policy reforms and improve the business environment.
2. To promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Indian industry by providing training, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
3. To enhance the competitiveness of Indian industry through technology upgradation, quality improvement, and international best practices.
4. To facilitate trade and investment between India and other countries by organizing trade fairs, exhibitions, and business delegations.

Structure of CII #

1. The CII is a membership-based organization, and its members include large, medium, and small-scale companies from various sectors of the Indian economy. The organization has a three-tier structure consisting of the National Council, Regional Councils, and Sectoral Committees.
2. The National Council is the highest decision-making body of the CII, and it is responsible for formulating the organization’s overall policy and strategy. The National Council is headed by a President and a Vice-President, who are elected for a two-year term.
3. The Regional Councils are responsible for implementing the policies and programs of the CII at the regional level. The CII has 10 Regional Councils across India, and each Regional Council is headed by a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman.
4. The Sectoral Committees are responsible for addressing specific issues related to different sectors of the Indian economy. The CII has over 70 Sectoral Committees, each of which is headed by a Chairman and a Co-Chairman.

Activities of CII #

The CII is involved in a wide range of activities aimed at promoting Indian industry and economic growth. Some of the key activities of the CII are:

1. Policy Advocacy: The CII works closely with the government to advocate policy reforms that are favorable to Indian industry. The organization provides feedback on various policy initiatives and recommends measures to improve the business environment in India.
2. Capacity Building: The CII provides training and mentoring to entrepreneurs and managers to enhance their skills and knowledge. The organization also conducts research and publishes reports on various aspects of the Indian economy to provide insights to policymakers and businesses.
3. Trade Promotion: The CII organizes trade fairs, exhibitions, and business delegations to promote Indian exports and attract foreign investment. The organization also provides information and assistance to Indian companies seeking to expand their business in international markets.
4. Corporate Social Responsibility: The CII promotes corporate social responsibility among Indian companies by encouraging them to adopt sustainable business practices and engage in philanth ropic activities. The CII also works to promote social and economic development in rural areas by supporting entrepreneurship, education, and healthcare initiatives.
5. Technology Upgradation: The CII promotes technology upgradation in Indian industry by organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops on emerging technologies. The organization also facilitates collaborations between Indian and foreign companies for technology transfer and joint research and development.
6. International Engagements: The CII engages with international organizations and business groups to promote India’s interests and showcase the potential of Indian industry. The organization also participates in international forums and conferences to exchange ideas and best practices with global leaders.

Recent Initiatives of CII #

In recent years, the CII has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting Indian industry and addressing key challenges facing the Indian economy. Some of the recent initiatives of the CII are:

1. Start-up Mentorship Program: The CII has launched a mentorship program for start-ups to provide guidance, support, and networking opportunities to budding entrepreneurs. The program aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in India and help start-ups overcome the challenges of scaling up.
2. Sustainable Development Goals: The CII has launched a campaign to promote the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India. The campaign aims to create awareness about the SDGs and encourage Indian businesses to adopt sustainable business practices that align with the SDGs.
3. India@75: The CII has launched a campaign called India@75 to celebrate India’s 75th year of independence in 2022. The campaign aims to showcase India’s achievements and potential and promote a vision of India as a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.
4. Women’s Empowerment: The CII has launched several initiatives to promote women’s empowerment in Indian industry. The organization has set up a Women’s Business Council to provide a platform for women entrepreneurs and managers to network, share knowledge, and access funding and mentoring support.