Professional engineering Associations are the primary channels by which engineers working in particular technical disciplines, or otherwise possessing common interests, share technical knowledge, regulate the professional practice, influence public policy, and maintain the traditions and reputation of the profession. These associations and the engineering profession are of relatively recent origin, arising during the Industrial Revolution.
Engineering professional associations provide essential support to engineers. These groups work to advocate on behalf of engineers, provide professional development opportunities, publish updates on the latest innovations, and connect engineers to the community – and Ahmedabad Engineering Manufacturers Association, Ahmedabad, India – is no exemption in fulfilling these criteria.
On a chat with Shri. Ashwinkumar S Patel, President of The Ahmedabad Engineering Manufacturers Association, we were able to feel delighted on their journey, challenges & contributions to the growth of our country.
Q1. Can you tell me about your Association?
Ans. The Ahmedabad Engineering Manufacturers’ Association(AEMA) was founded in 1959 to represent and protect the interests of Small, Medium and Large Scale Engineering Industries. Members are from the foundries, engineering, pump manufacturing, and parts manufacturing, and most of our members are MSMEs. Our Association closely relates with the Bureau of Indian Standards in connection with the formulation of Indian Standards connected with the agricultural pump sets.
Q2. What are the challenges in the industry now, and how do you help your members overcome them?
Ans. The major problem is the raw material cost. It is increasing daily, which is not a good sign for any MSME. Skilled labor is another issue. Added with consumption of power is also increased for running any machinery. In Gujarat, we have requested the Government to increase the electricity load. At present we have an electrical load of 100 kilowatts & we want it to be increased at least to above 150 kilowatts if possible by the Government.
Infrastructure for the urban area of the city is also a challenge. In cities, the land is very costly. So, all the MSMEs have to move out of the city. So, the availability of economically viable land, proper roads, electricity, communication etc., will be beneficial for small SMMEs. If the Government can support this – they can take advantage of it in setting up their operations there.
Q3. Where do you see the industry going in future?
Ans. Our Governments – before making any industrial policy, they have to consult the association people, involve them in the discussion, and they take the suggestion or views from the association members will be good. Because after the policy formation is completed, the policy changes are very, very tedious. So, it will be great – the Government considers this option – which will be helpful for the growth of the industry.
Q4. The Goodwill of any Association depends on their affiliations with other apex organizations. Which are the bodies you are affiliated with?
Ans. We are affiliated with various apex Organizations like the Confederation Of Indian Industry, Federation of Associations of Small Industries of India, Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Indian Diesel engine Manufacturers Associations, Indian Coal Merchants Association, Gujarat International Trade Promotion Council etc.
Q5. What are your CSR Activities?
Ans. We regularly conduct Blood Donation Camps and Eye Check-up Campaign – which help poor people get medical care.
As an association, what would be your contribution to the IT sector and to building our Nation?
We don’t have many members in our Association in the IT field, as this area is mostly known as an Engineering sector. Suppose policy decisions are taken by the Government after getting the perfect input from the members of the Association, added with our commitment to the growth of the Engineering Sector. In that case, it will undoubtedly be great growth for the Industrial Sectors.
Throughout the history of civilization, humans have been engaged in developing and adjusting to changed circumstances for technological development.
The engineering profession is broad in scope, encompassing topics from nuts and bolts to satellite communications and from deep-sea oil exploration to medical implants. Moreover, it is heterogeneous in the constitution, with practitioners running the gamut from independent consultants to employees of large, multinational corporations and performing job functions from detailed component design to company CEO. Perhaps because of the diverse nature of the profession, there is a corresponding profusion in the number and types of professional engineering associations, each seeking to meet the professional needs of some portion of the engineering community. No doubt, The Ahmedabad Engineering Manufacturers Association is one such following all the above.
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