Nagpur included in industrial infrastructure scheme

Nagpur, Aug 18 (UNI) Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Kamal Nath announced the inclusion of Nagpur in the Central Government's industrial infrastructure scheme, launched to improve the common facilities in developing cities.

Speaking on the foundation stone laying ceremony of the National Institute of Intellectual Property Management (NIIPM), he said that funds under the scheme were being used for creating common facilities like roads, water supply and power lines in cities, where the industry is in a growth mode.

''Nagpur is poised to become an important city on the world map with the Multi-Modal International Air Passenger and Cargo Hub (MIHAN) and special economic zones (SEZ) coming up here. Therefore, it has been included in the industrial infrastructure scheme,'' he said.

''NIIPM will fulfill a major need for training on patent laws and would go a long way in protecting intellectual property (IP) rights in the present era of globalisation,'' he pointed out.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, who was also present on the occasion, said the state Government would provide the land needed for constructing a hostel for those working at NIIPM and attending training.

NIIPM will meet the needs of an IP regime in line with global norms and its functions will include training, education and research. It will act as a think tank of the Government on important IP policy matters and conduct training programmes for examiners of patents, designs, trademarks, geographical indications and IP professionals such as agents, attorneys, lawyers, IP managers in business enterprises and research organisations. Its education programmes will include Government officials, enforcement agencies like police and customs, as well as judicial officers.

The institute's building was being constructed at a cost of Rs 22 crore on 3010 square metres of land and will include lecture halls, faculty rooms, conference room, library and other requirements.

UNI