Indian Economy News

Ministry of MSME implements National Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Hub (NSSH) Scheme to promote entrepreneurship amongst SCs/STs; to fulfil mandated 4% procurement from SC/ST MSEs

The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises has proposed the implementation of the National Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Hub (NSSH) Scheme, which is aimed at encouraging the spirit of entrepreneurship among SC/ST communities, while also ensuring that the required purchase of 4% from SC/ST-run MSEs is met under the Public Procurement Policy. The scheme also offers a number of facilitating elements such as Capacity Building, Market Linkage Activities, Special Vendor Development Programs, and awareness programs. There is also financial assistance that is provided within the Single Point Registration Scheme (SPRS) and government-supported e-commerce platforms, which help SC/ST businesses gain access to new markets and more effectively engage with government procurement. For the dissemination of awareness regarding the benefits of the scheme, conclaves, awareness programs, and vendor development programs are being conducted at several locations across the country.
Under the Special Marketing Assistance Scheme (SMAS) scheme in the National Small Industries Setup and Organizations (NSSH), a total of 3,929 SC/ST entrepreneurs have been assisted for exhibition participation in national as well as international exhibitions for Rs. 36.41 crore (US$ 4.4 million) over the last five years. The interventions are meant to improve the capacities and generate awareness about the SC/ST enterprises in the competitive markets. Moreover, the scheme makes use of social websites for the larger dissemination of information, especially for the target group.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.