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The National Productivity Council (NPC) will mark its 68th Foundation Day on 12 February 2026 and observe National Productivity Week from 12 to 18 February 2026 across India. This year’s theme, “Clusters as Growth Engine: Maximizing Productivity in MSMEs,” highlights the growing importance of cluster-led development in strengthening India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Cluster-Led Growth: A Strategic Priority for MSMEs

The chosen theme reflects the government’s renewed focus on MSMEs as a backbone of India’s economy. Cluster-based growth is increasingly being viewed as a powerful tool to enhance productivity, encourage innovation, reduce costs, and improve access to markets—both domestic and global.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and President of the National Productivity Council, Shri Piyush Goyal, has consistently emphasised the need to strengthen MSMEs, boost manufacturing competitiveness, and promote sustainable industrialisation. In this context, clusters play a crucial role by enabling shared infrastructure, skilled labour, technology adoption, and stronger supply chain linkages.

Relevance in the Era of Global Trade Agreements

With India entering into several recent trade agreements, the focus on cluster development gains added significance. Well-developed MSME clusters can help Indian businesses meet global quality standards, scale up production, and integrate more effectively into global value chains. This approach not only improves productivity but also supports inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Nationwide Events and Outreach Activities

To mark National Productivity Week 2026, NPC will organise a wide range of events, seminars, and workshops across the country. These activities will be conducted through NPC’s 12 Regional Directorates located in:

• Bengaluru
• Bhubaneswar
• Chandigarh
• Chennai
• Gandhinagar
• Guwahati
• Hyderabad
• Jaipur
• Kanpur
• Kolkata
• Mumbai
• Patna

In addition, 24 Local Productivity Councils, central ministries, state governments, industry associations, and academic institutions will collaborate to carry out awareness and outreach programmes throughout the week.

About the National Productivity Council

Established in 1958, the National Productivity Council is an autonomous organisation under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. NPC’s vision is to become a knowledge leader in productivity and support India’s journey towards global competitiveness while ensuring sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development.

NPC offers consultancy and training services across diverse areas such as:

• Industrial Engineering
• Environmental and Energy Management
• Agri-Business
• Economic Services
• Quality Management
• Human Resource Management
• Information Technology and Technology Management

The Council also undertakes research in productivity and is a constituent member of the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), a Tokyo-based inter-governmental body. India is a founding member of APO and currently holds the Chair.

Driving Productivity Through Collaboration

As India aims to become a global manufacturing and services hub, initiatives like National Productivity Week 2026 underscore the importance of collaboration, innovation, and cluster-based growth. By empowering MSMEs through shared ecosystems and productivity-focused strategies, NPC continues to play a vital role in shaping a resilient and competitive Indian economy.