MAM
Vodafone Idea partners with cii techsaksham project for msmes to adapt in the digital age
MUMBAI: Vodafone Idea, in partnership with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Ministry of MSMEs and other tech giants like Intel, Dell, HP, WhatsApp, and Banking Partner YES BANK have already initiated an exclusive digital project TECHSAKSHAM- focused on supporting MSMEs in India to become tech-enabled. Aligned with the Ministry’s aspiration of generating value-added employment, TECHSAKSHAM will address barriers faced by MSMEs in their growth and expansion. The initiative aims to bridge the gap in technology adoption through exceptional technology-driven services of VIBS and a gamut of digital-first solutions and partnerships.
TECHSAKSHAM, in its first phase, will focus on sectors that have a tendency to respond positively to adopting technology, while also creating a larger discussion in other MSME clusters. The project is envisioned to create a movement that will have a long-term impact on the MSMEs in India. Partners will extend its technology expertise in building a stable platform that will enable, SME Policy Advocacy, Tech Awareness and Technology-driven Workshops in 10 cities for tier 1 and tier 2 MSMEs. Additionally, partners are getting into an agreement with CII to build a Technology Portal to further strengthen the project.
Mr Shreekant Somany, Chairman, CII National MSME Council emphasized the need to empower MSMEs harness the next-gen technologies for sustainable growth in the global marketplace. “While MSMEs have started entering the era of Industry 4.0, the pace has been slow. Adoption of upgraded technology is usually witnessed in the medium segment of MSMEs which have the requisite resources required for the adoption of advanced technology. The phenomenon is less common in the small and micro-segments. To promote and popularise adoption of technology by the MSMEs, CII along with its Industry Partners have undertaken a massive sensitization campaign for it’s MSME members which constitutes 67% of the total membership of 9000+ through Project TECHSAKSHAM,” he said.
Commenting on the partnership, Ajay Sehgal, SVP- SME and SoHo, Vodafone Idea Business Services said, “The growth of MSMEs is critical to realise the goal of 5 trillion dollar economy by 2025. It is imperative for MSMEs to embark on the digital journey, adopt new technologies and achieve sustainable competitiveness. We are pleased to be associated with TECHSAKSHAM and firmly believe it is a great platform led by MSME ministry, CII and supported by Tech partners that gives MSMEs an opportunity to access and avail new technologies with ease. Our wide array of digital-first solutions and tools allows us to partner Small businesses to create their digital identity and provide a strong backbone in projects such as this, led by MSME ministry and CII.”
Through various policy recommendations, knowledge sessions, mentoring initiatives, and useful resource banks for MSMEs, TECHSAKSHAM will help the ecosystem address critical barriers such as awareness and cost of technology, purchase or maintenance, resources, and manpower required to run the technologies, return on investments, etc.
Brands
Ather Energy doubles service network to 500 centres nationwide
EV maker scales support alongside growth to keep riders on the road
MUMBAI: Ather Energy is quietly building more than just scooters. It is building the backbone to keep them running.
The electric two-wheeler maker has expanded its service network to 500 authorised centres across India, nearly doubling its footprint in a year from 277. The move mirrors its growing retail presence and signals a clear focus on one often overlooked part of EV ownership, what happens after the purchase.
From the outset, Ather has prioritised service support in every city it enters, aiming to make ownership as smooth as the ride itself. Its Gold Service Centres bring in upgraded customer lounges, modern equipment and processes designed to make servicing more transparent and reliable.
Speed, too, is part of the pitch. Through its ExpressCare initiative, riders can get periodic maintenance done in about an hour, now available across 82 centres, turning what used to be a chore into a quick pit stop.
Ather Energy chief business officer Ravneet Singh Phokela said, “Crossing 500 service centres is an important milestone as we scale across the country. Reliable after-sales support is central to the ownership experience, and our focus remains on consistent service quality and accessibility.”
The expansion comes as demand grows for models like the Ather 450 and the Rizta, which have helped the company reach a broader set of riders across metros and emerging cities alike.
Alongside servicing, Ather continues to power up infrastructure through the Ather Grid, now one of the largest fast-charging networks for two-wheelers, with over 4,300 charging points.
With plans to scale further and deepen its presence, Ather’s approach is clear. Selling the scooter may start the journey, but keeping it running smoothly is what sustains it.
