2.5 lakh Dalit entrepreneurs to be created under Stand Up India initiative

Union Minister for MSME (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises), Mr. Kalraj Mishra today said that nearly 2.5 lakh SC/ST entrepreneurs would be created under the Stand Up India initiative launched by the Prime Minister.  Speaking at the inauguration of the 5^th National Industrial & Trade Fair organized by the Dalit Indian Chamber Commerce & Industry (DICCI) in Mumbai today, Mr. Mishra said “under Stand-up  India initiative, each of the 1.25 lakh bank branches would be encouraged to fund a SC/ST and woman entrepreneurs to create 2.5 lakh new entrepreneurs in the country”.  He said there would be special support structure for innovation based start ups, including funding from the government. “The Government will unveil a blue print for start-ups to ease the process of setting up new venture very shortly” he added.

 

Mr. Kalraj Mishra observed that availability of adequate credit was always a major issue and his MSME Ministry has taken several initiatives to address the challenges. “The Ministry is implementing major schemes like Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), a credit-linked subsidy programme for creation of employment in both rural and urban area of the country. PMEGP is providing relaxation to SC/ST beneficiaries. For urban SC/ST beneficiaries, margin money subsidy is provided @ 25 per cent of the project cost while it is 35 per cent in rural areas” Mr. Mishra said.

 

The MSME Minister also said that the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry in has been encouraging and facilitating Dalit enterprise as a means of empowerment and also ensuring that the Dalit community to contributes in the economy, and be the ‘Job givers, not job seekers’.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Heavy Industries Mr Anant Geete said there is a promising road ahead for Dalit entrepreneurs. “292 PSUs in India have been mandated to procure 20% of their requirements from MSME sector. Of this 4% has to be from Dalit enterprises, which translates into a sizeable market” the Minister observed.

 

Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the Trade Fair and stressed on the need of empowerment of SC/ST entrepreneurs.

 

The Industrial & Trade Fair at the Bombay Convention & Exhibition Centre, Goregaon has 350 stalls, including 30 stalls belonging to the Central PSUs.   Seminars on MSE procurement policy, B2B meetings, Buyer -Seller meetings are being organized on themes important for entrepreneurs, in addition to programmes designed  to promote business opportunities and capacity-building.  The valedictory function will be held on 27^th March.