The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises organised the National SC ST Hub Mega Awareness Programme at D K Convention Hall in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship and deepening the MSME ecosystem in the state. The programme focused on disseminating information about the National SC ST Hub Scheme and various Government of India initiatives supporting micro, small and medium enterprises. Entrepreneurs were also facilitated with on the spot Udyam Registration.
Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, attended as Chief Guest. The programme was also graced by Nyato Dukam, Minister for Commerce and Industries, Labour and Employment and IPR, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and Kemto Jini, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment and Tribal Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary, Ministry of MSME, Government of India, and S S Acharya, CMD, NSIC, along with senior officials from Central and State Governments, were present.
In his opening remarks, S S Acharya outlined the objectives of the National SC ST Hub Scheme and highlighted the Public Procurement Policy of the Government of India, which mandates four percent procurement from SC ST owned micro and small enterprises and three percent from women owned micro and small enterprises. He said the scheme is building an inclusive ecosystem for SC ST entrepreneurs across the country, including in Arunachal Pradesh.
Mercy Epao, in her detailed address, underscored the financial assistance, infrastructure support, skilling initiatives and market linkage opportunities available under various schemes of the Ministry. She noted that the MSME sector is the second largest employer after agriculture and contributes more than thirty percent to India’s GDP, thirty five percent to manufacturing output and forty six percent to exports. She stated that over 7.8 lakh MSMEs are registered on the Udyam Portal, generating employment for more than 31 crore people. She elaborated on the benefits of schemes such as PM Vishwakarma, Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme, MSE Cluster Development Programme, Tool Rooms, ZED Certification, Trade Enablement and Marketing Scheme, Udyam Registration and Procurement and Marketing Support Scheme.
During the event, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Entrepreneurship Development Institute at Jote, built with assistance from the Ministry of MSME. Nyato Dukam described the institute as a landmark initiative for capacity building, skill development and entrepreneurship promotion in Arunachal Pradesh. He said the institute would empower youth from Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring states through structured training and enterprise development programmes.
In his address, Pema Khandu emphasised the critical role of MSMEs in the Indian economy and said the Ministry of MSME is enabling entrepreneurs to become self reliant through structured schemes and institutional support. He also outlined benefits available under schemes of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and said the State and Central Governments are working in close coordination to achieve inclusive development in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He urged youth to actively utilise government schemes and pursue entrepreneurship as a pathway to growth and self reliance.
The programme provided an interactive platform for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to engage with key stakeholders including CPSEs, MSME Development and Facilitation Office, financial institutions and other supporting agencies. In the technical session, representatives from MSME DFO, Small Industries Development Bank of India, State Bank of India, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India, Indian Oil Corporation Limited and National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation briefed participants on financial assistance, vendor empanelment procedures and market opportunities.
The National SC ST Hub Mega Awareness Programme in Itanagar marked a significant step towards expanding inclusive entrepreneurship, strengthening institutional support and empowering MSMEs in Arunachal Pradesh through coordinated Central and State efforts.
