Dr. S.S. Acharya, CMD, NSIC, highlighted the Public Procurement Policy of the Government of India, which mandates 4% procurement from SC-ST owned MSEs and 3% from Women MSEs. He noted that the National SC-ST Hub Scheme fosters inclusive growth across the country, including Arunachal Pradesh.
Ms. Mercy Epao emphasized financial assistance, infrastructure support, skilling, and market linkage available under MSME schemes. She said that the MSME sector is the second-largest employer in India after agriculture, contributing over 30% to the country’s GDP, 35% to manufacturing output, and 46% to exports. She added that more than 7.8 lakh MSMEs are registered on the Udyam portal, providing employment to over 31 crore people. Key schemes highlighted included PM Vishwakarma, PMEGP, MSE-CDP, Tool Room, Zed Certification, Trade Enablement, Marketing schemes, and Procurement & Marketing Support.
Entrepreneurship Development Institute: A Milestone Initiative
During the programme, Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu inaugurated the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) at Jote, established with assistance from the Ministry of MSME. Shri Nyato Dukam described the institute as a landmark initiative for skill development and entrepreneurship promotion in Arunachal Pradesh. EDI Jote is expected to empower youth from Arunachal and neighboring states by providing training and skill development opportunities.
MSMEs: Drivers of Economic Growth and Self-Reliance
Shri Pema Khandu stressed the significant role of MSMEs in India’s economic growth and self-reliance. He highlighted that both central and state governments are working closely to support inclusive development in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He encouraged participants, especially youth, to leverage government schemes to pursue entrepreneurship, build self-reliance, and contribute to regional and national growth.
The programme also provided an interactive platform for entrepreneurs to engage with stakeholders, including CPSEs, MSME-DFO, SIDBI, SBI, PGCIL, TRIFED, IOCL, and NSTFDC. Participants received guidance on financial assistance, vendor empanelment, market access, and support mechanisms available under central and state initiatives.