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Empowering SC/ST Entrepreneurs: How a New Government Scheme is Boosting MSEs

The government is actively working to boost entrepreneurship within Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities running Micro and Small Enterprises. A dedicated scheme provides a host of supports like training and market access to help these businesses. This effort aims to fulfill a policy requiring 4% of public procurement to come from SC/ST-run MSEs. Meanwhile, MSMEs continue to be a strong force in India's export economy.

Key Points: Govt Empowers SC ST Entrepreneurs in MSEs via NSSH Scheme

  • The NSSH Scheme aids SC/ST MSEs in meeting a 4% public procurement mandate
  • Initiatives include capacity building, market linkage programs, and financial assistance
  • Over 3,900 entrepreneurs were supported for domestic exhibitions in five years
  • The scheme uses social media and conclaves for wider awareness and dissemination
2 min read

Govt empowering SC and ST entrepreneurs in MSEs: Minister

The NSSH Scheme provides capacity building, market linkages, and financial aid to SC/ST-run MSEs to meet 4% public procurement targets. Learn about the initiatives.

"3,929 SC/ST entrepreneurs... were facilitated for participation in domestic exhibitions - Minister Shobha Karandlaje"

New Delhi, Dec 19

In a bid to promote entrepreneurship among Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe-run Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is implementing National Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Hub (NSSH) Scheme, to fulfill the mandated 4 per cent of procurement from SC/ST MSEs under the Public Procurement Policy, the government said on Friday.

The scheme has undertaken several initiatives to provide support which include capacity building programmes, market linkage programmes, organisation of Special Vendor Development programmes, workshops/awareness programmes, subsidy on purchase of plant and machinery/equipment, financial assistance for registration under Single Point Registration Scheme and enrollment on government-promoted e-commerce portals, etc.

Under the ‘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, said Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shobha Karandlaje, in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

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, said the minister.

Meanwhile, MSMEs exported goods worth Rs 9,52,023.35 crore in the current financial year (up to September).

Karandlaje said the export data is based on MSME-related products identified from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics portal. The government noted that India’s export performance during this period showed strong momentum, especially in high-value and technology-driven sectors such as electronic goods, pharmaceuticals and engineering products, where MSMEs play a significant role.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
Great initiative! Capacity building and market linkage are crucial. My cousin, who runs a small handicraft unit, got a chance to exhibit at a national fair through a similar scheme. It completely changed his business prospects. More power to such programmes! 🙌
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Aman W
While the intent is good, the implementation is often the bottleneck. 36 crore over 5 years for ~4000 entrepreneurs sounds good on paper, but is the support substantial enough per person? Also, awareness in remote tribal areas remains low. Need more boots on the ground, not just social media campaigns.
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Sarah B
As an expat working in development, I find this approach interesting. Linking affirmative action with entrepreneurship and market forces, rather than just subsidies, is a more sustainable model for economic empowerment. The export numbers show MSMEs are a powerhouse. Supporting underrepresented groups within them makes strategic sense.
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Karthik V
Subsidy on plant machinery and help with e-commerce registration are very practical supports. The real challenge is the paperwork and red tape to actually avail these benefits. Hope the process is made truly simple and digital.
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Nisha Z
Empowering entrepreneurs from all communities strengthens the entire economy. When people have the tools and opportunities to succeed, it benefits everyone. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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