Government Pushes Digital Empowerment of SC/ST MSMEs through E-Commerce Integration

The Government of India has intensified efforts to digitally empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), especially those run by Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs, through multiple initiatives aimed at boosting online marketing, e-commerce integration, and global business visibility.

A significant push has come through platforms such as the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), the MSME Trade Enablement and Marketing (MSME TEAM) initiative, the Procurement and Marketing Support (PMS) Scheme, MSME Global Mart, and eKhadiIndia.com. These platforms collectively focus on easing market access, enhancing digital participation, and equipping small businesses with tools to compete in the digital economy.

According to information shared by Minister of State for MSME, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, as of August 15, 2025, 59,390 SC/ST MSMEs have been onboarded onto the GeM portal. In addition, 24,970 SC/ST MSMEs have joined MSME Global Mart, while 304 have enrolled on the MSME TEAM platform. Thousands more are leveraging eKhadiIndia.com, the dedicated e-commerce portal for Khadi and village industries managed by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).

The GeM platform has been a game-changer in digitizing Government procurement, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity for MSMEs in public sector supply chains. Meanwhile, MSME TEAM, through integration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), is supporting enterprises in adapting to modern e-commerce practices and expanding their reach beyond local markets.

The PMS Scheme provides financial assistance to MSMEs for participating in e-commerce activities, while the MSME Global Mart, developed by the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), acts as a B2B digital marketplace offering access to global trade leads, tenders, and vital information. On the other hand, eKhadiIndia.com bridges artisans and small producers with global consumers, promoting “Made in India” village products.

To encourage participation of SC/ST entrepreneurs, the National SC/ST Hub (NSSH) Scheme reimburses 80% of the annual membership or subscription fee (up to ₹25,000) for government-promoted e-commerce portals. This financial support significantly reduces the entry barrier for marginalized entrepreneurs and ensures their inclusion in the formal digital economy.

These efforts are expected to further accelerate MSME participation in both domestic and international markets, creating new growth opportunities, enhancing competitiveness, and strengthening India’s digital trade ecosystem. By empowering SC/ST entrepreneurs with digital tools, the government aims to foster inclusive economic growth and ensure that underrepresented communities are active stakeholders in India’s journey towards becoming a global manufacturing and trading hub.