Minister Shobha Karandlaje Underscores MSME Sector’s Role in Nation-Building at SC-ST Hub Awareness Programme in Koraput

Koraput, Odisha | July 14, 2025 — The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) held a significant outreach event today at SLN Medical College & Hospital Auditorium, Koraput, Odisha, aimed at empowering SC/ST entrepreneurs and promoting awareness of key government schemes. The event, titled “Awareness Programme on National SC-ST Hub & Other Schemes for MSME,” was graced by the Hon’ble Minister of State for MSME, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, who delivered the keynote address.

Organized under the aegis of the National SC-ST Hub, the programme sought to inform local entrepreneurs, youth, and stakeholders about the various financial assistance, capacity building, and market access schemes available to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs under the Ministry’s initiatives. A key focus of the event was bridging the gap between policy and grassroots implementation, especially in tribal and aspirational districts like Koraput.

During her address, the Hon’ble Minister emphasized the pivotal role played by the MSME sector in India’s economic development. She noted that India’s MSME sector comprises over 6.5 crore enterprises, collectively generating more than 28 crore jobs across urban and rural areas. She highlighted that the sector contributes over 30% to India’s GDP and holds an impressive 45% share in the country’s exports.

“The MSME sector is not just a source of income generation, but a backbone of our economy. From tribal belts to urban centers, these enterprises fuel innovation, employment, and inclusive growth,” the Minister stated.

She further elaborated on the Ministry’s commitment to promoting inclusive entrepreneurship, particularly for SC/ST communities, women, and youth. The National SC-ST Hub, she said, is playing a critical role by providing targeted support in areas like credit facilitation, skill development, and vendor registration with government and private entities.

The event witnessed participation from local entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, SHGs, NGOs, and academic representatives, along with officials from MSME Ministry field offices and banks. Technical sessions were conducted to guide attendees through the application procedures for schemes such as PMEGP (Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme), MUDRA loans, Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), and marketing support under Procurement and Public Procurement Policy.

By hosting the programme in a remote district like Koraput, the Ministry underscored its aim to ensure that development and opportunity reach the last mile.

The session concluded with the Hon’ble Minister encouraging local youth to take advantage of government schemes and step into entrepreneurship. She assured that the government remains committed to making MSMEs globally competitive, digitally empowered, and environmentally sustainable.