Centre Hosts MSME Awareness Programme in Odisha to Promote SC-ST Entrepreneurship and Inclusive Growth

Koraput: In a significant effort to foster inclusive economic development and entrepreneurship among marginalised communities, the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, organised a one-day awareness programme on July 14, 2025, at Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College & Hospital in Koraput, Odisha. The event aimed to disseminate information about the National SC-ST Hub and other flagship schemes of the Government for MSMEs, while promoting entrepreneurship and employment opportunities in the region.

The programme was presided over by Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for MSME, and witnessed the presence of several dignitaries including Nityananda Gond, Odisha’s Minister for SC-ST Development and Minority Welfare, Gokulananda Mallik, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Fisheries, Animal Resources and MSME, and Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education. Members of Parliament Balabhadra Majhi and Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi also graced the occasion, along with MLAs and senior officials from the Central and State governments.

In his welcome address, Dr. Subhransu Sekhar Acharya, CMD of the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), outlined the objectives of the National SC-ST Hub, which is designed to support SC/ST entrepreneurs in accessing public procurement opportunities. He highlighted the Government of India’s mandate of 4% public procurement from SC/ST enterprises and 3% from women-led businesses as part of its Public Procurement Policy.

Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of MSME, provided an overview of key government schemes including PM Vishwakarma, PMEGP, MSE-CDP, ESDP, ZED Certification, Tool Room support, and Udyam Registration. She underlined the government’s focus on credit facilitation, market access, technology upgradation, and skill development as critical tools for strengthening the MSME ecosystem and ensuring equitable growth.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Sushri Shobha Karandlaje emphasised the pivotal role of MSMEs in the national economy, accounting for nearly 30% of India’s GDP and over 45% of the country’s exports. She noted that more than 6.58 crore MSME units are registered on the Udyam Portal, employing over 28 crore people. The minister encouraged Odisha’s youth and aspiring entrepreneurs to take full advantage of the various government initiatives, and reiterated the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to achieve “Viksit Bharat 2047″—a roadmap for transforming India into a developed nation.

State ministers and parliamentarians also addressed the gathering, urging the younger generation to embrace entrepreneurship as a path to economic empowerment. They assured participants of the government’s continued support through both central and state-level schemes.

The programme served as an interactive platform for entrepreneurs to engage with stakeholders from CPSEs, financial institutions like SBI and SIDBI, GeM, CSIR-NBRI, and other MSME promotion bodies. A technical session featured presentations from agencies including KVIC, NSIC, Coir Board, HAL, and NALCO, focusing on vendor registration processes and opportunities for MSMEs in public procurement.

Additionally, facilitation desks were set up to assist attendees with Udyam Registration, GeM onboarding, PM Vishwakarma enrolment, and information on the National SC-ST Hub Scheme. The event also included a product exhibition showcasing local MSME innovations and entrepreneurial ventures.