Ravinder Reddy unveils print roadmap for AIFMP

"Our plans are not short-term," Reddy stated. "Our effort is to build a long-term roadmap. A roadmap that will continue even after my term ends."

The speech highlighted four core priorities for the AIFMP's current leadership, starting with securing industry status for printing.

The AIFMP's "foremost priority" is to secure Industry Status for the printing sector. This recognition is intended to pave the way for rational GST structures, easier access to bank finance, enhanced government recognition, and greater support under the MSME framework. To build a robust case, Reddy stressed that the critical first step is immediately collecting comprehensive, real-time national data on capital investment, the number of units, employment figures, exports, imports, and GST contributions—data the industry currently lacks.

To ensure members can fully utilise government schemes, Reddy announced plans to establish a dedicated MSME Cell at AIFMP. This cell will address the current gap in awareness and know-how by assisting affiliate associations and members in identifying relevant schemes, completing necessary documentation, securing approvals, and maximising the benefits available to the printing and packaging sectors.

A key long-term infrastructure project is the development of the AIFMP Bhavan Research & Training Centre for Graphic Communication at IMT Manesar, Gurgaon. Described as a state-of-the-art facility, it will feature an auditorium, modern classrooms, Paper, Ink and Colour Labs, and a library. The mission of the centre is to provide practical, contemporary education to create a continuous pipeline of skilled professionals for the industry. Reddy confirmed that the structural work is significantly underway and is expected to be completed this year.

Addressing what he called one of the industry's biggest challenges — the shortage of skilled manpower — Reddy committed the AIFMP to scaling up Skill Development efforts nationwide. He noted that the solution lies in cultivating a plentiful supply of trained professionals and confirmed that government funding and schemes are available to reduce the financial burden on individual printers.

In a direct message to local entrepreneurs. Reddy urged the Kerala print fraternity to "Stop complaining. Start building." He challenged them to recognise the state's natural strengths in high literacy, strong service culture, and premium market mindset, asserting that "Kerala is not meant for low-value, high-volume commodity printing. Kerala is meant for high-value, high-quality, creative printing."

He concluded with an optimistic and resolute outlook on the future: "Printing is not dying. Only outdated printing is dying. Packaging will grow. Labels will grow. Publishing will continue... Print will remain the most trusted medium. So do not fear the future. Respect the future, prepare for the future, and lead the future."