NPC Marks 68th Foundation Day with Productivity Week

The National Productivity Council (NPC) will celebrate its 68th Foundation Day on 12 February 2026 and observe National Productivity Week from 12 to 18 February across India. The theme for this year is “Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximizing Productivity in MSMEs”, highlighting the importance of cluster-based development in strengthening India’s industrial competitiveness.

The theme reflects the emphasis laid by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and NPC President, Shri Piyush Goyal, on boosting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), enhancing manufacturing capability and promoting sustainable industrialisation.

Theme Focus: Cluster-Based MSME Growth

Cluster-based development is seen as a strategic tool to accelerate productivity, foster inclusive growth and integrate Indian industries into global value chains. In the context of India’s recent trade agreements, strengthening MSME clusters assumes greater significance in enhancing export readiness and manufacturing efficiency.

The approach aims to create economies of scale, improve supply chain integration and encourage technology adoption among small enterprises. By focusing on productivity enhancement within clusters, the initiative seeks to position MSMEs as key drivers of economic expansion.

Nationwide Events and Outreach

A series of seminars, workshops and awareness programmes will be organised through NPC’s 12 Regional Directorates located in Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Gandhinagar, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kanpur, Kolkata, Mumbai and Patna.

Twenty-four Local Productivity Councils, various Central Ministries, State Governments, industry associations and academic institutions will collaborate during the week-long observance. The events are aimed at promoting best practices in productivity, innovation and sustainable industrial growth.

NPC’s Role in Productivity Enhancement

Established in 1958, the National Productivity Council functions as an autonomous society under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It provides consultancy and training in Industrial Engineering, Environmental and Energy Management, Agri-Business, Quality Management, Human Resource Management and Technology Management.

NPC also undertakes research in productivity improvement and supports both public and private sector organisations in achieving global competitiveness.

Important Facts for Exams

• National Productivity Council was established in 1958.
• NPC functions under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
• National Productivity Week 2026 theme focuses on MSME cluster-based development.
• NPC is a constituent of the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO).

Global Linkages and Strategic Significance

NPC is a constituent of the Tokyo-based Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), of which India is a founding member and current Chair. Through international collaboration and domestic capacity-building, NPC aims to enhance productivity standards and contribute to sustainable socio-economic development. The 68th Foundation Day observance reinforces its mandate to strengthen MSMEs as engines of growth in a competitive global economy.