About the Institute
National Leather Development Programme (NLDP) had undertaken a project, called “Support to the Saddlery Sector in Kanpur” during the second phase of its implementation (1998 : 2002) under SIDE-NLDP. Uttar Pradesh Export Corporation (UPEC) had been designated as the implementing agency in the beginning of the project , i.e. , during 1999 :2000. However, this task was assigned to the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT K )at the end of November 2000 on account of its association with the project in the development of polymeric saddle trees since the beginning and also in view of localional advantages as well as hassle – free implementation.
Having appreciated the requirement brought forth by the exporters, the NLDP swung into action and undertook the project in the middle of 1998 with the objective of overall upgradation and modernization of the industry with its wholehearted support and involvement. Some of the leading exporters were roped in and a plan of action was formulated by consulting them. A formal committee was also constituted o to make the whole exercise fruitful, result – oriented an transparent. The following areas had been identified with the help of the industry to be addressed on priority:
- Engagement of foreign experts to impart training.
- Development of polymeric saddler trees for English and Western styles.
- Development of world class accessories, components, hardware and hand tools.
- Improvement of quality of leather used in Saddlery products.
- Consultancy to the exporting units.
- Establishment of Common Facility Centre for mechanization.
- Innovation, product development and product diversification.
Sometimes towards the end of 1999, while the implementation of the project was underway, it was thought that some institutional arrangement should be established for effective and purposeful utilization of the infrastructure to be created. Later on, it was this approach, which culminated into the establishment of IISTEM as an integral part of this project.
Listed below are the notable achievements of the project so far:
A world – class institute called IISTEM has been established. Having an autonomous character, it is registered as a society under Societies Registration Act.
Spread over an area of 5 acres in the newly developed industrial area in Banthar, Unnao on Lucknow – Kanpur Highway, the institute has got its permanent premises with approximately 2,000 sq. meters constructed area. The building has been constructed by Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC) with a total cost amounting to Rs. 100 lakh. This premise was inaugurated on 29 December 2002 by Shri Arun Shourie, the then Hon’ble Minister for Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
- A very close and lasting relationship has been established with IIT – K which has not only developed a host of components and accessories for this industry but also provided valued help and guidance in training and consultancy.
- International experts have developed a world – class syllabus and software for training and training is being imparted accordingly.
- This is the only institute of its kind in the world where training on the whole range of Saddlery products is imparted under one roof.
- A three – year Diploma Course in Saddlery Technology and Export Management which has been approved by all India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and affiliated to the Board of Technical Education, U.P. has commenced since November 2002.
- 3 batches of one – year duration Quality Certificate Course have passed out. About 90% of the students have got placement in the Saddlery industry, while remaining 10% have preferred self-employment in this industry itself.
- A state-of-the-art Common Facility Centre (CFC), equipped with the latest machinery and equipment useful for Saddlery segment as well as leather footwear and leather goods sub-sectors of leather industry, has been established as an integral part of the institute’s activities.
- 7 expatriate experts from UK, Czech Republic and France worked here for about 40 man/months, from December. 1999 until December 2002. During their engagement period, they helped in developing syllabus, teaching the students, providing consultancy to the Saddlery units and also extended their expertise in developing components and hardware to enhance their quality comparable to the international standards.
- A very important component, called saddle-tree, used for fabrication of saddles, has been developed by IIT-K in polymer for the first time in the country. Components like stirrup bars, Stirrups and gullet plates etc. have been developed to enhance the competitiveness of this industry visa-vis its competitors in the world market. These components are being designed developed , tested and commercially produced with the help and guidance of IIT-K.
- In order to enhance the productivity and quality with a view to sustaining its export growth, the industry is gradually adopting the modernized way of production with the help of the institute.
- UNDP and Government of India have spent an amount of approximately Rs. 4.50 crore on the above activities.
- The success of the project can be measured from the fact that while the total turnover of this industry stood at over Rs.120 crore during 1998-99, it has reached the level of over Rs.300 crore during 2003-2004.
- It is hoped that with the continuance of the above activities, the Saddlery industry will get modernized and thereby will be able to post an annual export turnover of approximately Rs.500 – 600 crore within next 4 to 5 years. Besides, it will generate an additional employment to the tune of to approx 15,000 by way of skill upgradation, entrepreneurship development, development of various components and accessories and other human resource development and technical measures.