"The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises holds a National Hub awareness program for SC-ST communities in Odisha"
The National SC-ST Hub (NSSH), a government initiative, is working tirelessly to support and promote entrepreneurship among Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) entrepreneurs in India. This inclusive programme, which operates nationwide, is making a significant impact, particularly in the state of Odisha.
The primary objective of the NSSH is to foster entrepreneurship among SC/ST communities. It achieves this through key roles such as supporting existing SC/ST entrepreneurs and enterprises in technological upgradation and capacity building, promoting their participation in public procurement and other government initiatives, and facilitating skill development, training, and financial assistance.
In Odisha, the NSSH has set up facilitation desks for Udyam Registration, GeM, PM Vishwakarma, and the SC-ST Hub, offering on-the-spot guidance to participants. The programme, presided by Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for MSME, also featured a technical session with presentations by various organisations on vendor registration and service offerings.
Dr. Subhransu Sekhar Acharya, Chairman and Managing Director of NSIC, highlighted the Public Procurement Policy, which mandates four per cent procurement from SC/ST enterprises and three per cent from women-led businesses. The event also encouraged Odisha's entrepreneurs to maximise the benefits of government schemes and align with the Prime Minister's vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.
The Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) hosted an awareness programme at Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital, Odisha, focusing on disseminating information regarding the National SC-ST Hub and other key schemes aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and employment in the state. These flagship schemes include credit facilitation, market access, skill development, technological advancement through initiatives such as PM Vishwakarma, PMEGP, MSE-CDP, ESDP, ZED Certification, Tool Rooms, and Udyam Registration.
The NSSH serves as a critical vehicle for inclusive entrepreneurship development, particularly empowering marginalised SC/ST groups across states, including Odisha. By addressing challenges and ensuring greater participation in government and private sector opportunities, the hub is helping SC/ST businesses scale up and contribute to India's industrial growth.
As of the Udyam portal, there are over 6.58 crore MSME units registered and they employ upwards of 28 crore individuals. The sector plays a crucial role in industrialising rural and backward areas, contributing nearly 30% to GDP and over 45% to national exports. The Joint Secretary of the Ministry of MSME, Mercy Epao, delivered an informative address on these flagship schemes aimed at strengthening the MSME ecosystem.
In conclusion, the National SC-ST Hub is a significant step towards fostering inclusive growth and entrepreneurship among marginalised communities in India. The initiative, through its various programmes and schemes, is empowering SC/ST entrepreneurs to compete effectively in the market, gain better market access, and scale up their businesses.
The National SC-ST Hub, in addition to its entrepreneurship promotion initiatives, is also dedicated to education and self-development, providing skill development, training, and financial assistance to SC/ST communities. The hub's programmes in Odisha, such as the Udyam Registration, GeM, PM Vishwakarma, and SC-ST Hub facilitation desks, offer not just business guidance but also educational resources to enhance the competitiveness of SC/ST entrepreneurs.
