The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is implementing National Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Hub (NSSH) Scheme to promote entrepreneurship amongst the SCs/STs and to fulfill the mandated 4% of procurement from SC/ST MSEs under the Public Procurement Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises, Government of India. The Scheme has undertaken several initiatives to provide support which include capacity building programmes; market linkage programmes, organization of Special Vendor Development programmes, workshops/awareness programmes, subsidy on purchase of plant & machinery/equipment, financial assistance for registration under Single Point Registration Scheme, for enrollment on Government promoted e-commerce portals, etc.

Under ‘Special Marketing Assistance Scheme (SMAS)’ component of the NSSH Scheme, SC/ST entrepreneurs are facilitated to participate in domestic and international exhibitions to strengthen and develop their capacities to participate in public procurement. 3,929 SC/ST entrepreneurs at a cost of Rs. 36.41 crore were facilitated for participation in domestic exhibitions in the country during the last five years.

To spread awareness about various benefits available under NSSH Scheme; Conclaves, Special Vendor Development Programmes (SVDPs) and awareness workshops are being organized at various locations in the country. The scheme also actively uses social media platforms for wider dissemination, particularly focusing on the intended audience.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (Sushri Shobha Karandlaje) in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

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AKS