Digital Push Empowers SC/ST Entrepreneurs: Over 59,000 MSMEs Onboarded on GeM

The Government of India has intensified efforts to digitally empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with a special focus on Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs. Through a series of initiatives such as Government e-Marketplace (GeM), MSME TEAM, Procurement and Marketing Support (PMS) Scheme, MSME Global Mart, and eKhadiIndia, the Ministry of MSME is driving digital adoption, online marketing, and e-commerce integration across the sector.

According to data shared by Minister of State for MSME, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, as of August 15, 2025, more than 59,390 SC/ST MSMEs have been onboarded on the GeM portal, ensuring wider participation in government procurement. Additionally, 24,970 SC/ST enterprises have joined MSME Global Mart, a B2B e-commerce platform developed by the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) to provide trade leads, tenders, and global market access. Further, 304 entrepreneurs have registered on the MSME TEAM portal, which integrates small businesses with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to strengthen their e-commerce journey.

The government’s Procurement and Marketing Support (PMS) Scheme is also playing a vital role by offering financial assistance to MSMEs for selling products through e-commerce platforms. At the same time, ekhadiindia.com, managed by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), has emerged as a powerful B2C channel enabling artisans and village industries to reach global consumers.

To encourage greater participation of marginalized entrepreneurs, the National SC/ST Hub (NSSH) is providing reimbursement of up to 80% of the annual subscription fee (up to ₹25,000) for government-promoted e-commerce portals, significantly reducing financial barriers for small businesses.

These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to inclusive growth by bridging the digital divide for SC/ST enterprises. With increasing participation on digital platforms, these entrepreneurs are not only gaining visibility in domestic procurement but also expanding their reach to global buyers.

By fostering innovation, providing market linkages, and reducing entry barriers, the digital push through GeM, MSME TEAM, PMS, Global Mart, and eKhadiIndia is expected to transform the landscape for SC/ST entrepreneurs, making them integral players in India’s growing digital economy.