Planning imperatives for the leather cluster in Kanpur

Abstract

The process of Industrialization has been leapfrogging followed by many countries to accomplish economic development and expansion by forming industries, manufacturing output, job creation, and government income to match human social demands. The industrial sector contributes 25.29of the country’s GDP, out of which the manufacturing sector contributes 14.43% % (National Statistical Office Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation Government of India 2020). In apparel and textile production, the leather sector occupies an important place in the Indian economy because of substantial export earnings, the potential for creating employment opportunities, and favorable factor conditions for its sustained growth. There are several major leather clusters in India, but Uttar Pradesh is one of the top exporters of leather in the country thus, contributing majorly to the country’s and state GDP. Jajmau leather cluster is one of the selected clusters undertaken for the research since it has a legacy of more than 150years, dating around the colonial period. Currently, the Kanpur leather cluster is facing a steep downfall in export share and turnover due to various factors. To bring back the glorious status of Kanpur, U.P Government has proposed the relocation of Jajmau tanneries to the new site that is Mega Leather Park in Ramaipur village of Kanpur district. This study aims to assess the existing issues and plan for the revival of the leather industry in Kanpur. A primary survey is conducted in the current cluster to understand the ground level, qualitative and perceptual scenario, which represents all the issues, challenges, and dilemmas of relocation. The research finds the challenges of the Jajmau cluster and evaluates the internal strengths, weaknesses, external opportunities, and threats in the Jajmau and proposed site. The outcome includes a holistic approach by adopting the planning interventions, incentives, policy-based strategies, and sustainable approaches for both existing and new site to revive the dying leather cluster of Kanpur.