The five-day LEAN Consultant Training Programme began with its inaugural session on 30th June 2025, organized by the National Productivity Council (NPC) in collaboration with KIIT-Technology Business Incubation (TBI). This initiative marks the launch of a strategic effort to develop a pool of skilled LEAN consultants. The program is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to help MSMEs adopt lean manufacturing practices- boosting productivity, minimizing waste, and enhancing their contribution to GDP growth and global competitiveness.
The Program commenced with the welcome address by Ms. Nibedita Khatua, followed by the introduction of esteemed dignitaries: Dr. Mrutyunjay Suar (Director General R&D and Innovation, KIIT University, Chairman, BCKIC, CEO, KIIT-TBI), Sh. Samarendra Sahu (Advisor, KIIT- TBI), Dr. Sushanta Tripathy (Professor and DEAN (PG Program) & School of Design, KIIT University), Sh. Shyama Prasad (Deputy Director, NPC, Bhubaneswar), Sh. Roshan Kujur (Deputy Director, NPC, Bhubaneswar). The Programme was coordinated by Sh. Suramya Mishra, Manager, KIIT-TBI.
The Programme started with an introductory video on the MSME LEAN Scheme elaborated by Ms. Subhasmita Sahoo. Thereafter, the role of KIIT-TBI in championing the scheme in Odisha and its active role in empowering the MSME sectors was laid out, along with its future objective to have a pan-India reach.
After that, Sh. Samarendra Sahu (Advisor, KIIT-TBI) formally inaugurated the program, expressing his deep commitment to MSME development. Reflecting on his experience as Additional Development Commissioner, he emphasized how even minimal investments can yield significant transformation through LEAN practices. He described how expert consultants would visit MSME units multiple times to identify inefficiencies and train workers. He also shared his vision of building a cohort of young LEAN implementers and proposed empanelling successful trainees as LEAN experts—each assigned to a unit and fairly compensated. Building upon that, Dr. Mrutyunjay Suar stressed the importance of a mentor-mentee model for sustained MSME growth and deeper consultant engagement.
Highlighted KIIT-TBI’s impact on innovation and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the essential role of consultants in enabling sustainable growth among MSMEs. He advocated for a mentor-mentee approach, where consultants offer long-term, hands-on support rather than just technical training. He emphasized that this personalized model, starting from Odisha, could serve as a national benchmark.
Thereafter, Sh. Roshan Kujur outlined the objectives of the five-day MCLS (MSME Competitive LEAN Scheme) training program under the Central Government’s initiative. He explained that the program equips professionals with practical tools and methodologies to deliver LEAN services effectively to MSMEs.
He motivated participants to take this opportunity seriously and contribute meaningfully to national industrial development. Sh. Shyama Prasad also chipped in to emphasize the need to formalize everyday LEAN practices through structured learning. He explained that this training would help formalize such knowledge with the correct terminology and structured methodologies, enabling participants to apply them more effectively within MSME units. At last, Dr. Sushant Tripathy concluded the session with a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the dignitaries’ contributions and urging participants to carry the LEAN mission forward. At the end of the session, a felicitation ceremony was carried out to honour the guests for their inspiring presence and valuable insights.
Following the inauguration, the five-day training program featured expert-led sessions covering core LEAN concepts such as 5S, Kaizen, JIT, Kanban, Poka-Yoke, TPM, Value Stream Mapping, and Six Sigma. Dr. Sushanta Tripathy provided in-depth understandings on JIT, 7 QC Tools, and Six Sigma; Sh. Roshan Kujur shared various aspects on Kaizen, Visual Management, and SOPs finalization, while Dr. Deepak Singhal explained Line Balancing, Takt Time, Poka-Yoke, and TPM. Taking the training into the future, Dr. Biswajit Mahapatra elaborated on the importance of Industry 4.0, Value Stream Mapping, and Daily Work Management, and Dr. Barada Prasana Sahoo provided practical examples on 5S and Consultant Competencies. The program also included sessions on diagnostic report preparation and MSME portal data entry by NPC officials from Delhi. With a balanced mix of theory and practical tools, the training equipped participants with essential skills to drive LEAN implementation in MSMEs.
On the final day, an evaluation was conducted for the participants to assess their understanding of the LEAN concepts covered throughout the training. The results reflected a commendable performance, with all participants achieving scores above 75%. This was followed by a feedback session, where participants shared their insights, experiences, and key takeaways from the five-day program. The training concluded on a high note with the participants getting Certificates through mail, marking the successful completion of a comprehensive and impactful LEAN Consultant Training Programme.With strong assessment outcomes and encouraging participant feedback, the training clearly demonstrated its impact and value.
Looking ahead, KIIT-TBI aims to conduct more such LEAN training programs to promote key drivers of productivity, waste reduction, and sustainable growth, paving the way for a more competitive and resilient MSME sector in alignment with national development goals.
Glimpses
