The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) organized a Mega Conclave at Shillong, Meghalaya today to promote entrepreneurship culture and spread awareness of National SC-ST Hub and other schemes of the Ministry.

The Secretary, Ministry of MSME, Shri S.C.L Das and the Chairman of  Meghlaya Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (MIDC), Shri James P K Sangma were present along with  other senior officials . The event saw the participation of around 600 SC-ST aspiring and existing entrepreneurs from Meghalaya.

Speaking at the occasion Shri James P K Sangma emphasized how the conclave will benefit SC-ST Entrepreneurs in the State to initiate as well as expand their enterprises and contribute towards making India a 5 trillion US dollar economy. He described Meghalaya Government’s vision to contribute 30 billion US dollar in achieving this goal. He expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of MSME for organizing NSSH Conclave at Shillong, which would raise awareness about government schemes and policies in the State.

Addressing the Conclave, Shri S.C.L Das emphasized the significant role of the MSME Sector in the Indian economy in terms of its contribution to GDP and overall exports. He stated that MSMEs not only provide huge employment opportunities but also help in the industrialization of rural & backward areas. He highlighted the benefits of entrepreneurship and urged the participating youth from Meghalaya to take up entrepreneurship as a profession and be a producer and not only a consumer.  He also highlighted the potential of various schemes of the Government of India to empower the MSME Sector and said that through this conclave, the SC/ST entrepreneurs of the State will explore innovative ideas, business opportunities and avail maximum benefits of these schemes.

Ms. Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary, Ministry of MSME briefed on the various initiatives implemented under National SC-ST Hub scheme for SC/ST entrepreneurs along with other major schemes of the Ministry. Dr Ishita Ganguli Tripathy gave a presentation highlighting Ministry's focus on NER region. She also highlighted the “PM Vishwakarma” scheme recently launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

A special technical session with CPSEs, Banks and lending institutions was also held providing an interactive platform for aspiring and existing SC-ST entrepreneurs. The CPSEs like Powergrid, NEEPCO, FCI, IOCL and Hindustan Steel Works Construction gave presentations on their vendor empanelment process and shared the details of products/services that can be procured from SC-ST owned MSEs. The program also had financial institutions such as SIDBI, Canara Bank, HDFC bank, Meghalaya Rural Bank, IndusInd Bank, IFDC etc, which detailed various lending schemes pertaining to the MSME sector. Other Government bodies like NSFDC and GeM also participated in the program and deliberated on their schemes for MSMEs. The program included facilitation desks of CSC Shillong for PM Vishwakarma enrollment and UDYAM Registration for facilitating the registration of SC/ST MSEs participants on the spot.

MJPS/NSK