New Delhi, Apr 21 (Reporter) Over 1,000 MSME units in the CCTV manufacturing sector are at the risk of closure because of certain criteria related to Standardization Test and Quality Certification (STQC), prompting them to send a desperate request to the government for help, according to their Association. Highlighting that around four lakh jobs are at risk, the Federation of All India Information Technology Associations (FAIITA) has sought an urgent meeting with Union Minister for Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnav to discuss and seek remedy to the dire problems afflicting the small Indian manufacturers. The FAIITA says that "serious" challenges have been posed to the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and stakeholders in the CCTV manufacturing sector due to the recent enforcement of STQC requirements. The federation says it supports the Government's vision of enhancing national security and promoting quality standards through initiatives such as 'Make-in-India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' but "the sudden implementation of STQC compliance, without a structured transition framework, is proving to be disproportionately burdensome for MSMEs and may potentially undermine the very objectives it seeks to achieve." In a letter written to Vaishnav, the FAIITA said the implementation of STQC, without government support, will pose a serious threat to the existence of the MSME-led manufacturing and employment in the CCTV manufacturing facilities. These units involve heavy investments in establishing local manufacturing capabilities and the abrupt enforcement of STQC norms without sufficient lead time or support jeopardises these investments and risks the loss of lakhs of jobs across the country, the FAIITA says. Immediate compliance requirements may force smaller players out of the market, allowing only a few large companies to remain, leading to monopolization and reduced innovation, the Federation says. The MSME-driven CCTV ecosystem supports a range of associated sectors, such as cabling, molding, packaging, and logistics. Disruption in MSME manufacturing will have a cascading effect on these industries, the association said. "With over 1,000 MSME factories at risk of closure, the livelihoods of more than 400,000 individuals are hanging in the balance. The current challenges — including rising production costs, supply chain disruptions and stringent compliance requirements — are exacerbated by the difficulties in meeting STQC standards without adequate technological support," it says. There is a noticeable absence of centralised guidance, helplines, or support frameworks to help MSMEs navigate the complex STQC processes, leading to costly delays and confusion, it says. To ensure the sustainability of MSME manufacturers in the CCTV sector, it is imperative that the government provides the necessary technological assistance, stated FAIITA. "Until these measures are put in place, we urge the government to keep the implementation of STQC protocols in abeyance for MSME manufacturers so they can continue operations without the undue burden of compliance," it added. The federation has sought "extension of compliance deadline" to allow sufficient time for MSMEs to meet the requirements in a sustainable manner. "A stakeholder consultation meeting with MeitY officials to engage directly with MSMEs and collectively identify viable solutions to ensure a phased or tiered compliance approach to accommodate MSMEs of varying capacities and allow scalable implementation is the need of the hour," it said seeking reimbursement or financial support mechanisms to alleviate the significant costs involved in testing and certification. The federation said that it was committed to national interests and regulatory compliance. "We seek your kind support in enabling a fair, inclusive, and collaborative pathway for MSMEs to align with the STQC mandate. Your guidance and intervention at this critical juncture can ensure that the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat truly reaches the grassroots of India's manufacturing ecosystem," the FAIITA said in the letter to Vaishnav...////...