Tamil Nadu’s TReDS push falters as PSUs lag on MSME payment platform

 

C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI:
A state initiative to ensure timely payments to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) has faltered, with only 22 of Tamil Nadu’s over 60 public sector undertakings (PSUs) actively using the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platform — despite a government order making participation mandatory.

The TReDS mechanism, designed to allow MSMEs to discount their invoices through banks and financiers to ease cash-flow pressures, has seen poor adoption among state-owned entities. Concerned by the slow uptake, the Finance Department has issued a circular directing all PSUs, statutory boards, apex cooperatives and municipal corporations to operationalise the platform without further delay.

The letter, signed by Expenditure Secretary Prashant M Wadnere, instructs departments to appoint a senior officer — at least of general manager rank — as a nodal officer to oversee the uploading, settlement and monitoring of MSME invoices. Departments must also submit monthly progress reports to the Industries Commissioner, the Director of Industries and Commerce, and the Finance Department.

The move underscores a wider gap between policy intent and implementation in the state’s public procurement ecosystem. “Delayed payments remain one of the biggest pain points for MSMEs,” said a senior official. “Non-compliance undermines the very purpose of the platform and disrupts the entire supply chain.”

Industry bodies say the problem runs deeper. “Many PSUs are loss-making and face fund shortages, which affects their compliance,” said CK Mohan, president of the Tamil Nadu Small and Tiny Industries Association (TANSTIA). “Once routed through TReDS, payments become time-bound commitments. It improves transparency, reduces corruption and enhances ease of doing business — but PSUs are hesitant.”
Mohan urged the state to strengthen the TReDS framework and widen its reach. He also called the Union government for lowering the threshold for mandatory participation from the current ₹250 crore in annual turnover to ₹50 crore, to include smaller enterprises.

Japanese delegation explores Chennai Port’s sustainability and modernization drive

Chennai:

A 15-member Japanese delegation from the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) held two days of technical and policy-level discussions with the Chennai Port Authority (ChPA) focusing on sustainable port development, green transitions, and future-ready infrastructure.

Led by Masahiko Furuichi, Secretary General of IAPH, the delegation included senior officials and experts from major Japanese ports such as Yokohama, Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya, and Tomakomai, along with representatives from the Overseas Coastal Area Development Institute of Japan (OCDI) and universities in Kyoto and Kanagawa.

A technical workshop on Wednesday brought together senior officers from the Chennai Port Authority, Kamarajar Port Limited, and IAPH to deliberate on public–private partnerships, hinterland connectivity, decarbonisation, shore power supply, and community outreach.

Sunil Paliwal, Chairperson of the Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited, said that the ports have made “holistic and sustainable progress” under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 through investments in connectivity, digitalisation, infrastructure, and green growth. “Chennai and Kamarajar Ports are committed to sustainable community development, which has earned them international recognition,” he said.

Deputy Chairperson S Viswanathan underscored the importance of international collaboration and pointed to India Maritime Week 2025 as a key platform for exchanging global best practices. He also highlighted the human element in maritime operations, particularly in supporting ship crews.

Kamarajar Port’s Managing Director, JP  Irene Cynthia, outlined ongoing initiatives such as LNG bunkering, shore power integration, and the Green Tug Transition, noting that sustainability and capacity expansion are now central to the port’s growth strategy.

Furuichi, in his remarks, emphasised that international cooperation is essential for achieving “sustainable economic growth and global harmony.” He reiterated IAPH’s guiding principle — “World peace through world trade, world trade through world ports.”

Dr. Ennarasu Karunesan, IAPH’s India Regional Director, highlighted global sustainability efforts, citing the Kobe Hydrogen Smart City project alongside India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 as examples of how ports can act as catalysts for decarbonisation and community engagement.

The visit, part of an ongoing India–Japan maritime dialogue, underscored the growing convergence between the two countries on green port management, digital transformation, and inclusive economic growth.

writingonblog uncensored: Madras HC: Partial redevelopment of property with ...

writingonblog uncensored: Madras HC: Partial redevelopment of property with ...: CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has ruled that redevelopment of housing property involving undivided share of land (UDS) cannot be carried ...

Madras HC: Partial redevelopment of property with UDS is illegal without owners’ consent

CHENNAI:
The Madras High Court has ruled that redevelopment of housing property involving undivided share of land (UDS) cannot be carried out partially without the consent of all owners, setting aside an earlier order that permitted the reconstruction of two blocks in Anna Nagar East, Chennai.

A Division Bench of Justice SM Subramaniam and Justice Mohammed Shaffiq delivered the verdict on writ Appeal (WA) filed by NKMVCP Rao, a flat owner at Green Gardens, L Block. The appellant had challenged the redevelopment proposal involving Blocks 382 and 383, undertaken by the KGEYES Residency Private Limited without the consent of other co-owners of the 59.65 grounds on which the complex stands.

The Bench noted that the property comprises 18 blocks with 108 HIG flats, and every owner holds an undivided share (UDS). Citing Section 13 of the Tamil Nadu Apartment Ownership Act, 2022 and Rule 9 of the Tamil Nadu Apartment Ownership Rules, 2024, the court held that redevelopment must have the consent of at least two-thirds of owners or be justified by structural risk certified by authorities. “Partial redevelopment of undivided land or common area is impermissible under law,” the judges observed.

The developer filed an affidavit stating it would demolish the structures in Blocks 382 and 383, as approved by the Greater Chennai Corporation on June 18, 2025. The court directed the demolition to be completed within one month.

For any future redevelopment, the Bench said, consent from all flat owners and statutory approvals must be secured. Allowing the appeal, the court set aside the single-judge order dated April 26, 2022.

writingonblog uncensored: Vaigai TBM Breaks Through at Mandaveli, Marking Ke...

writingonblog uncensored: Vaigai TBM Breaks Through at Mandaveli, Marking Ke...:   CHENNAI: A major tunnelling milestone was achieved on Friday as Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) completed a tunnel breakthrough at Man...

Vaigai TBM Breaks Through at Mandaveli, Marking Key Milestone in Chennai Metro Phase II

 

CHENNAI:
A major tunnelling milestone was achieved on Friday as Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) completed a tunnel breakthrough at Mandaveli station on Corridor 3 of the Phase II expansion.

The upline tunnel boring machine (TBM) “Vaigai” broke through after a 610-day drive from Greenways station, completing a 775-metre stretch beneath one of the city’s most densely built-up areas. The works form part of the 45.8-km Corridor 3, which will link Madhavaram to SIPCOT via the city’s central and southern neighbourhoods.

The breakthrough was witnessed by T Archunan, Director (Projects), CMRL, along with senior officials from the agency, consultants and Larsen & Toubro, which is executing the tunnelling contract.

The Vaigai TBM passed beneath 75 buildings with an overburden ranging from 9 to 12 metres, navigating a complex underground environment with multiple sewer, water and power utilities in the Mandaveli shaft area. “This was one of the most technically challenging stretches on the corridor. Utility diversions and ground conditions required careful planning and multiple cutterhead interventions, a release stated.

Vaigai operated mainly in closed-face mode through silty sand formations and underwent 13 cutterhead interventions during the drive. Its twin machine, “Noyyal,” is expected to complete the downline breakthrough at Mandaveli next month.

This is the third TBM breakthrough achieved by CMRL this month — after successful drives at Rr k Salai and Kodambakkam, the release stated.

writingonblog uncensored: Four Decades On, India’s First Fast Breeder Reacto...

writingonblog uncensored: Four Decades On, India’s First Fast Breeder Reacto...: C Shivakumar @ Chennai   India’s nuclear energy ambitions took centre stage on Friday as Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) in...

Four Decades On, India’s First Fast Breeder Reactor Stands as a Symbol of Nuclear Self-Reliance

C Shivakumar @ Chennai
 

India’s nuclear energy ambitions took centre stage on Friday as Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) in Kalpakkam celebrated 40 years since the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) first went critical — a milestone that shaped the country’s fast reactor programme and underscored its technological self-reliance.

Commissioned in 1985, the 40 MWt/13.6 MWe sodium-cooled reactor has been at the heart of India’s indigenous fast breeder efforts. Conceived as a test bed for advanced fuels and materials, it has generated decades of operational data that informed the design of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) and future systems.

FBTR is unique in the global nuclear landscape — the only fast breeder reactor to use mixed plutonium-uranium carbide fuel. Its 70:30 plutonium carbide and uranium carbide blend offers superior thermal conductivity and high breeding potential, making it a key asset in India’s closed-fuel-cycle strategy.

“This reactor stands as proof of India’s ability to design and operate complex nuclear systems independently,” said K N Vyas, Homi Bhabha Chair Professor and former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India, at the anniversary event. He also released a commemorative volume marking the milestone.

“FBTR’s journey is synonymous with India’s mastery of fast reactor technology,” added S Sridhar, Director of Reactor Facilities Group, IGCAR. Director C G Karhadkar highlighted the reactor’s “four decades of safe and reliable operation” and its continuing strategic role.

The celebrations also marked a scientific breakthrough: the first successful separation of Phosphorus-32 — a key radioisotope used in cancer therapy — from irradiated strontium sulphate pellets. The isotope was handed over to the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology, signalling FBTR’s expanding contribution beyond research.

Veteran nuclear scientists including S A Bhardwaj, Dr C Ganguly, S C Chetal, Dr P R Vasudeva Rao, Dr S A V Satya Murty and Dr B Venkatraman shared personal reflections, while a photo exhibition traced FBTR’s technological milestones.

Four decades on, FBTR remains more than a test reactor — it is the bedrock of India’s fast breeder programme and a cornerstone of its long-term energy security strategy.

Factfile: Fast Breeders Around the World

Monju Fast Breeder Reactor in Japan was decommissioned in 2016 after a sodium leak and fire led to a prolonged shutdown.

Rapsodie in France, a pioneering sodium-cooled reactor, operated for 15 years before being decommissioned in 1983.

writingonblog uncensored: Women-led ventures redefine Tamil Nadu’s start-up ...

writingonblog uncensored: Women-led ventures redefine Tamil Nadu’s start-up ...: CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu’s start-up ecosystem is undergoing a generational and gender shift, with a young, educated and increasingly women-led ...

Women-led ventures redefine Tamil Nadu’s start-up landscape, study finds

CHENNAI:
Tamil Nadu’s start-up ecosystem is undergoing a generational and gender shift, with a young, educated and increasingly women-led entrepreneurial base driving innovation, according to a new study by the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission.

Women founders typically launch ventures between the ages of 26 and 30 — earlier than men, who generally start between 31 and 35. Men, however, tend to bring more prior work experience at the time of incorporation, the study, ‘Start-up Ecosystem in TN: Opportunities and Challenges – Findings Report’, found.

Women account for 57% of founders, and more than half have prior professional experience, the report stated. Thirteen per cent have started new ventures after previous failures, signalling a growing culture of resilience.

The report states that most start-up founders come from higher socio-economic backgrounds, reflecting their access to networks, social capital and quality education. Engineering dominates as the academic discipline of choice, with government-funded institutions serving as a key pipeline. Nearly two-thirds of the start-ups surveyed were incorporated in 2021 or later, underscoring the impact of recent policy pushes and targeted interventions by StartupTN.

Most ventures remain at the early-traction stage, concentrated in services, product-based businesses and manufacturing. Information technology, healthcare, agriculture, and food and beverages lead sectoral activity, with direct-to-consumer models largely focused on domestic markets. Founding teams are typically lean — one or two individuals — relying heavily on close networks of family (42%) and friends (28%).

The state’s policy architecture has emerged as a strong enabler. The Commission’s comparative analysis of six state start-up policies found that Tamil Nadu leads on seven of nine key policy themes, including infrastructure, funding and institutional support.

writingonblog uncensored: Global startup summit sees ₹127 crore investment c...

writingonblog uncensored: Global startup summit sees ₹127 crore investment c...: CHENNAI: Investment commitments worth ₹127.09 crore were announced at Tamil Nadu Global Startup Summit 2025, signalling strong investor co...

Global startup summit sees ₹127 crore investment commitments, expands global reach

CHENNAI:
Investment commitments worth ₹127.09 crore were announced at Tamil Nadu Global Startup Summit 2025, signalling strong investor confidence in the State’s fast-growing innovation ecosystem and its expanding global links, according to a MSME department spokesperson.

A total of 15 investors engaged with 453 startups in over 1,200 structured pitching rounds and more deals expected to materialise in the coming months, the spokesperson stated.

Twenty-three memorandums of understanding were signed with international and corporate partners, including Link Innovations (France), AsiaBerlin Forum (Germany), RxN Hub (Canada), River Venture Studio (Singapore) and Lowe’s India. These agreements are expected to open new pathways for market access, incubation and mentorship, a release stated.

The two-day summit drew more than 72,000 participants, making it one of India’s largest startup gatherings. Policymakers, founders, investors and students converged to explore opportunities in emerging technologies, sustainability and international collaboration — underscoring Tamil Nadu’s ambition to position itself as a global innovation hub.

More than 600 speakers, including 328 international experts, shared insights on technology, policy and global trends, offering startups access to international best practices. Investor Connect sessions were among the most active segments: 115 investors engaged with 453 startups in over 1,200 structured pitches. More deals are expected to materialise in the months ahead.

The presence of 12 Central and 15 State government departments gave founders direct access to support schemes, funding and policy frameworks. The summit also placed strong emphasis on inclusivity, with active participation from differently-abled, transgender and women founders, as well as startups from smaller towns and rural areas.

The outcomes of TNGSS 2025 will strengthen startup infrastructure, boost investor confidence and accelerate job creation, the release added.

CMRL Taps HUDCO to Draft Beautification Plan for Chennai’s Broken Bridge and MRTS Corridors

CHENNAI:
In a bid to transform underutilised urban pockets into vibrant public spaces, Chennai Metro Rail Limited has signed a contract with Housing and Urban Development Corporation to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the beautification and place-making of key sites in Chennai, including the Broken Bridge area in Adyar.

The initiative aims to convert the historic waterfront at Broken Bridge — spread over roughly 14,120 sq m — into a landmark leisure and tourism hub, featuring an adventure zone, beachfront cafés and a health loop. The scope of work also covers spaces beneath the MRTS line near Indira Nagar Railway Station (6,176 sq m) and under the Velachery Rail Over Bridge (9,270 sq m), which are set to be redesigned as multifunctional civic areas with retail outlets, dynamic lighting and children’s play spaces.

The DPR contract, valued at ₹53 lakh, was signed in the presence of CMRL Managing Director M A Siddique. It was formalised by CMRL Projects Director T Archunan and HUDCO Executive Director VT Subramanian.

The project is intended to enhance public amenities, boost tourism and wellness, and catalyse local economic activity, while turning disused transit-adjacent zones into active community spaces, a release stated.

writingonblog uncensored: TNT Hub, University of Melbourne Exchange LoI To F...

writingonblog uncensored: TNT Hub, University of Melbourne Exchange LoI To F...: CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Technology Hub (iTNT Hub) has inked a Letter of Intent with The University of Melbourne to build cross-border innovati...

TNT Hub, University of Melbourne Exchange LoI To Foster Innovation Links in Deep and Emerging Technologies

CHENNAI:
Tamil Nadu Technology Hub (iTNT Hub) has inked a Letter of Intent with The University of Melbourne to build cross-border innovation ties between India and Australia, aiming to deepen collaboration across startups, academia and industry.

The agreement, exchanged here on Thursday, lays the groundwork for a three-year partnership that seeks to accelerate technology transfer, co-develop innovation programmes and strengthen investment and mentorship networks between the two ecosystems.

The LoI was signed by the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) Michael Wesley and iTNT CEO Vanitha Venugopal, in the presence of Tamil Nadu IT Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, IT Secretary Brajendra Navnit and Australia’s Consul General Silai Zaki.

Under the partnership, the two institutions plan to launch joint accelerator programmes, facilitate startup and mentor exchanges, and host expert-led sessions to spur entrepreneurship and research collaboration. The initiative will also focus on building peer-learning networks and expanding investor engagement to give startups greater access to global markets.

“This LoI aims to build a strong cross-border innovation ecosystem connecting startups, academia and industries in India and Australia,” Vanitha Venugopal said. “Grounded in mutual trust and equality, both institutions will operate independently while pursuing shared innovation goals. The agreement ensures sustained cooperation and measurable impact over the next three years.”

Professor Wesley said the collaboration would open avenues to tackle shared challenges in areas such as health, environment and social development. “Mutually beneficial exchanges between the University of Melbourne and the innovation ecosystem of iTNT Hub will provide rich opportunities for co-creation and development,” he said.

writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu to Showcase Rural Fibre Network with CM...

writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu to Showcase Rural Fibre Network with CM...: CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu’s rural broadband push is set to get a high-profile spotlight next week, with Chief Minister MK Stalin scheduled to addr...

Tamil Nadu to Showcase Rural Fibre Network with CM’s Statewide Grama Sabha Address

CHENNAI:
Tamil Nadu’s rural broadband push is set to get a high-profile spotlight next week, with Chief Minister MK Stalin scheduled to address thousands of village assemblies through a state-wide optical fibre network.

Addressing reporters here on Thursday, Information Technology Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan said that more than 11,800 Gram Panchayats have so far been connected through Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) infrastructure — a key part of the state’s digital inclusion strategy.

“During the Grama Sabha meeting on October 11, the Chief Minister will use the established OFC infrastructure to interact directly via video conferencing with representatives from selected Gram Panchayats,” Thiaga Rajan said. The interaction will be streamed live to 10,000 village panchayats across Tamil Nadu, making it the largest single use of the fibre network to date.

The state government is also overhauling its rural connectivity business model after early efforts to rope in franchisee partners at the Gram Panchayat level fell flat. “Initially, a notification was issued to select Franchisee Partners at the Gram Panchayat level. However, there was very limited interest from eligible individuals under this model,” the minister said.

Operating at the panchayat level proved commercially unviable, with low revenue potential making it difficult to recover costs for household connections and network maintenance. Consumers were also being asked to pay the full cost of installing Optical Network Terminals (ONTs), dampening uptake.

To address these bottlenecks, the government is shifting to an integrated district-level franchisee model. “This change will ensure the installation of ONT devices at a lower cost without collecting high fees from the consumers, and provide quality internet service,” Thiaga Rajan said.

The move is expected to make rural broadband more affordable while creating viable business opportunities for operators. Parallel efforts are underway to bundle internet and OTT services for rural households, aiming to close the digital divide between urban and rural Tamil Nadu.

writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu aims to become the “quality capital of ...

writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu aims to become the “quality capital of ...:   CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu aims to become the “quality capital of the world,” Industries Minister Dr TRB Rajaa said on Wednesday, signalling a ...

Tamil Nadu aims to become the “quality capital of the world”

 

CHENNAI:
Tamil Nadu aims to become the “quality capital of the world,” Industries Minister Dr TRB Rajaa said on Wednesday, signalling a strategic push to strengthen ties with European partners in advanced manufacturing and clean technologies.

Addressing the Tamil Nadu–EFTA Business Summit in Chennai, Rajaa noted that while the state has traditionally looked to Swiss precision engineering as a benchmark, it now intends to build its own quality leadership through targeted collaborations. He highlighted shipbuilding and the blue economy as key areas for partnership with Norway, and said Iceland’s geothermal expertise could help diversify Tamil Nadu’s clean energy mix.

Rajaa called for the formation of a working group with clear, time-bound targets to fully leverage the new India–European Free Trade Association (EFTA) agreement, which came into effect from October 1. He also said a desk will be set up

The summit, organised by the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and Guidance Tamil Nadu in partnership with the Swiss-Indian Chamber of Commerce, brought together senior officials and diplomats, including Maya Tissafi, Switzerland’s Ambassador to India and Bhutan; Benedikt Höskuldsson, Iceland’s Ambassador; Niklaus-Samuel Gugger, member of the Swiss National Council; and Bjorn Iversen, head of Innovation, Norway and Commercial Counsellor at the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

A panel discussion explored how the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) could drive long-term investment and business collaborations. The deal offers Swiss companies up to 10 years of a stable investment framework in high-growth sectors such as precision engineering, renewable energy, life sciences, electronics, and food processing.

Switzerland remains Tamil Nadu’s largest trading partner among EFTA countries, with Swiss firms playing a central role in precision manufacturing and financial services. According to the Swiss Business Mapping 2025 report by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), more than 328 Swiss companies operate in India, collectively employing over 146,000 people.

writingonblog uncensored: Japanese Auto Firm to Train Tamil Nadu Technicians...

writingonblog uncensored: Japanese Auto Firm to Train Tamil Nadu Technicians...:   C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI: Ehime Nissan is set to establish an automotive technician training school in Chennai in partnership with Guidanc...

Japanese Auto Firm to Train Tamil Nadu Technicians for Jobs in Japan

 

C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI:
Ehime Nissan is set to establish an automotive technician training school in Chennai in partnership with Guidance Tamil Nadu, creating a new pathway for Indian workers to secure overseas employment, Industries Minister Dr TRB Rajaa said.

The programme will train around 100 participants over three years, combining technical instruction with Japanese language lessons. Two trainers from Ehime Nissan will oversee the training, aimed at strengthening local skills and supporting Tamil Nadu’s ambition to become a global hub for automotive manufacturing.

The initiative follows a visit by a Tamil Nadu delegation to Ehime Nissan’s training centre in Matsuyama, Japan, in July 2025, when the minister invited the company to explore skill-development opportunities in the state. A follow-up visit by the Japanese team to Chennai in August included inspections of potential training sites, such as Central Polytechnic College and ITI Guindy, and meetings with faculty, students, and officials from Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation and Guidance Tamil Nadu.

Local instructors in Tamil Nadu will lead the training, supported remotely by Japanese trainers through online modules. Each batch will spend three to five months in Chennai before undergoing six months of advanced instruction at Ehime Nissan facilities in Japan. Successful trainees will be offered jobs with Nissan in Japan for three to five years, with high performers eligible for tenure extensions. Those returning to India will leave with Japanese language skills and technical certification, boosting their employability in the domestic automotive sector.

Guidance Tamil Nadu will formalise the partnership through a facilitation memorandum of understanding, linking Ehime Nissan with state skill-development agencies to ensure smooth implementation. Next month, the Japanese team will visit ITI Guindy to pilot virtual reality–based lesson modules, testing digital tools, Wi-Fi connectivity, and teaching methods ahead of the programme’s official launch.

Highlighting the state government’s focus on youth development, Dr Rajaa said the DMK administration was working to expand educational opportunities and, through them, create high-quality jobs. “The government is committed to improving the standard of living for every student,” he added.