COIMBATORE: The Confederation of Indian Industry is closely working with the Government of India for the development of various sectors, including education, road safety awareness, agro-intervention, infrastructure and various business opportunities in defence sector.

Giving out the details, CII Chairman S. Narayanan told The Covai Post that the Government had already accepted to 80 per cent of their proposals. “We had recommended enhancement of syllabus and the Government accepted it. Now adapting to the changes and teaching are the new challenges,” he added.

The CII will conduct an Asia-Pacific meet in August this year to garner support for the coconut industry. “The recently-held agro-intervention saw the participation of 6500 farmers. With Pollachi being identified as coconut belt, we are trying to find out whether the farmers could involve themselves in some kind of development activity.”

According to Narayanan, it was during the Manohar Parikar’s tenure as Defence Minister that a transparent defence policy was evolved. “During the Know Your Army Expo in 2016 steps were taken to promote business opportunities in the sector. While Mak Controls are completely into making of defence electronics, Sivan Technologies is involved in making the light bullet proof Kevlar jackets,” he said.

“With Coimbatore being listed under the smart city category, CII is taking steps to ensure its infrastructural development. A petition seeking a night train between Coimbatore and Bengaluru has been submitted, but we are yet to receive any response,” the CII chief added.