Khandu lauds MSME sector’s role in India’s economic growth

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu on Monday highlighted the significance of the MSME sector in India’s economic growth.Khandu said since 2014, under PM Narendra Modi, several policy interventions have been undertaken to strengthen the country’s economy, with special emphasis on uplifting Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes through the creation of the National SC-ST Hub in 2016.Inaugurating the national-level mega awareness programme here organised by the National Small Industries Corporation Ltd (NSIC) under the Union Ministry of MSME, in coordination with the Arunachal Pradesh govt, Khandu, while citing national data, noted that the MSME sector currently supports over 7 crore enterprises across the country, benefiting more than 31 crore people. However, he stressed that the momentum must be accelerated in the NE and particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, an official report said. The awareness programme aims to ensure that SC and ST entrepreneurs benefit from various central schemes and actively participate in the nation’s economic progress.Elaborating on central initiatives, Khandu said 25% of total govt procurement is mandated from MSMEs, of which 4% is reserved for SC/ST entrepreneurs and 3% specifically for women entrepreneurs. He described this as a progressive policy that opens significant opportunities for inclusive growth.