MSME Support and Outreach Programme Launched by PM Success story of PMEGP

New Delhi: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on 2nd November 2018,launched a support and outreach programme for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. The Prime Minister unveiled12 key initiatives which will help in the growth, expansion and facilitation of MSMEs across the country:

1. Loans upto 1 crore within 59 minutes through an online portal.
2. Interest subvention of 2% for all GST registered MSMEs on fresh or incremental loans.
3. All companies with a turnover of more than 500 crores to be mandatorily on TReDS platform to enable entrepreneurs to access credit from banks, based on their upcoming receivables, thus, solving the problems of cash cycle.
4. All PSUs to compulsorily procure 25 percent from MSMEs instead of 20 percent of their total purchases.
5. Out of the 25 percent procurement mandated from MSMEs, 3 percent reserved for women entrepreneurs.
6. All CPSUs to compulsorily procure through GeM portal.
7. 100 Technology Centres to be established at the cost of Rs 6000 crore.
8. Govt. of India to bear 70 percent of the cost for establishing Pharma clusters.
9. Returns under 8 labour laws and 10 Union regulations to be filed once in a year.

10) Establishments to be visited by an Inspector will be decided through a computerised random allotment.

11) Single consent under air and water pollution laws. Returns will be accepted through self-certification and only 10 percent MSME units to be inspected.

12) For minor violations under the Companies Act, entrepreneurs no longer have to approach court but can correct them through simple procedures.

            The Prime Minister said that there are five key aspects for facilitating the MSME sector:

· access to credit

· access to market

· technology upgradation

· ease of doing business

· sense of security for employees.

BUDGET THRUST TO THE MSME SECTOR

            Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector has emerged as a highly vibrant and dynamic sector of the Indian economy over the last five decades. MSMEs play a crucial role in providing employment opportunities. MSMEs are complementary to big industries and   contribute greatly to the socio-economic development of the country. Keeping this in mind andthe growing role and contribution of the MSME sectorin boosting employment and economic growth, the Union Budget, presented by the Finance Minister on 1^stFebruary 2018 in the Parliamenthas given the sector a big thrust by enhancing the budgetary allocation   from Rs. 6481.96 crore in 2017-18 to Rs.6552.61 crore in 2018-19.

• • The allocation for individual Schemes (apart from CGTMSE) has gone up by 59%, from Rs.3680 crore in 2017-18 to Rs. 5852.61 crore in 2018-19.

· The allocation for National Manufacturing Competitiveness Program has gone up from Rs. 506 crore in 2017-18 to Rs. 1006 crore in 2018-19. This scheme will help technology up-gradation in the MSME sector.

• • Allocation under Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme has gone up from Rs. 1024.49 crore in BE 2017-18 to Rs. 1,800 crore in BE 2018-19 for generating self employment opportunities through establishment of about 88,000 micro enterprises in the non-farm sector and providing employment to around 7 lakh people.

· The Credit Guarantee Fund has already been enhanced from Rs.2500 crore to Rs. 7500 crore. This enhancement along with other structural reforms in the Scheme is aimed at boosting credit growth and employment generation in the MSE sector in a big way.

· There has been more than a threefold increase in the allocation for setting up of the state-of-the-art Technology Centres from Rs.150 crore in BE 2017-18 to Rs. 550 crore in BE 2018-19.

· Allocation under Khadi Grant has been enhanced significantly from Rs.265.10 crore in BE 2017-18 to Rs. 415 crore in BE 2018-19.

· Under Scheme for Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI), the budgetary allocation has increased from Rs.10 crore in BE 2017-18 to Rs. 125 crore in BE 2018-19. This will give an unprecedented boost to employment generation in the traditional and rural industries.

· The allocation under ASPIRE (A Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industry and Entrepreneurship) has been raised from Rs. 50 crore in BE 2017-18 to Rs. 232 crore in BE 2018-19 with an aim to set up 100 livelihood business incubators and 20 technology business incubators. This will accelerate entrepreneurship and employment generation.

· The allocation for National SC/ST Hub has been raised from Rs. 60 crore to Rs 93.96 crore with a view to giving an impetus to the growth of the business of SC/ST entrepreneurs. The overall allocations for the north-eastern region, for SC/ST components under various schemes have also witnessed significant increase.

            Other schemes that will give a boost to the MSME sector are:

• Extension of reduced rate of 25 percent available at present for companies with turnover of less than 50 crore to companies reporting turnover up to Rs. 250 crore in Financial Year 2016-17.
• Contribution of 8.33% of Employee Provident Fund (EPF) for new employees bythe Government for three years.
• Contribution of 12% to EPF for new employees for three years by the Government in sectors employing large number of people like textile, leather and footwear.

SUCCESS STORY OF PMEGP

Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme –To Continue till 2019-20

Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a major credit-linked subsidy programme being implemented by the Ministry of MSME since 2008-09. The Scheme is aimed at generating self-employment opportunities through establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector by helping traditional artisans and unemployed youth in rural as well as urban areas.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on 28 FEB 2018 approved the continuation of (PMEGP) beyond 12^th Plan for three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20 with a total outlay of Rs.5,500 crore.

Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)Scheme will create sustainable estimated employment opportunities for 15 lakh persons in three financial years.

· Allocation under PMEGP in Budget Estimates 2018-19 has already been enhanced to Rs. 1,800 crore from previous year’s allocation of   Rs. 1024.49 crore.

· PMEGP is estimated to have generated over 11,13, 000 employments during the last three years i.e. 2015-16 to 2017-18.

· A total of 4.55 lakh micro enterprises have been assisted with a margin money subsidy of Rs 9564.02 crore providing employment to an estimated 37.98 lakh persons from inception till 31.01.2018.

· During the year 2018, Rs. 1760.64 crore has been released by the Ministry as margin money under PMEGP out of which Rs. 1007.52 crore has already been disbursed by the banks.

· Under the PMEGP Scheme 35796 new enterprises providing employment to 286368 persons have been benefited.

· There is more than 60% increase over the previous year in terms of funds disbursed by the banks, no of projects with funds disbursed and the employment generated.

            A minimum target of 75 projects per district is awarded to all districts of the country to achieve Inclusive Growth. Higher rate of subsidy (25% to 35%) will be applicable for women, SC/ST, OBC, Physically Disabled, NER applicants in rural areas. Targets are fixed taking into account:

1. 1. Extent of backwardness of State;
   2. Extent of unemployment;
   3. Extent of fulfillment of previous year targets;
   4. Population of State/Union Territory; and
   5. Availability of traditional skills and raw material.

           Under PMEGP 266 districts have achieved the target of 75 projects during 2016-17.

• Allocation to all the districts with average Margin Money of Rs.2.00 lakhs per project (project cost Rs.8-10 lakh) in order to have equal distribution of targets and to achieve inclusive growth
• Efforts are being made to achieve the target of 75 units for each district and Principal Secretaries of State Governments are monitoring the Scheme.
• District level advisory committees headed by MPs districts also monitor the Scheme
• Review meetings at state level are held regularly wherever low achievement has been observed.
• During State Level Monitoring Committee Meetings (SLMC)financing bank branches of states are advised to sanction more PMEGP projects in poor performing districts
• Awareness camps at district level and state level are organized to propagate the PMEGP scheme for the development of micro industries.
• Under PMEGP, general category beneficiaries may avail of margin money subsidy of 25 % of the project cost in rural areas and 15% in urban areas.
• For beneficiaries belonging to special categories like Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/OBC /Minorities/Women, Ex-serviceman, Physically Handicapped, NER, Hill and Border areas the margin money subsidy is 35% in rural areas and 25% in urban areas.
• Any individual above 18 years of age is eligible.
• For setting up of projects costing above Rs.10 lakh in the manufacturing sector and above Rs. 5 lakh in the business /service sector, the beneficiaries should possess at least VIII standard pass educational qualification.
• The maximum cost of projects is Rs. 25 lakh in the manufacturing sector and Rs. 10 lakh in the service sector.
• Benefit may be availed under PMEGP for setting up of new units only.

           An online portal https://www.kviconline.gov.in/pmegpeportal/pmegphome/index.jsp has been introduced from 1^st July 2016 for those who wish to avail benefits under the PMEGP scheme. Entire process is real time and online. The applicant has to apply on the portal and can track the status of the application on the PMEGP-e-portal. There is an online feedback mechanism for providing feedback by the beneficiaries.

            Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is the nodal implementation agency at the national level. At the State/district level, State offices of KVIC, Khadi and Village Industries Boards (KVIBs) and District Industry Centres (DIC) are the implementing agencies.

Assistance to Women Entrepreneurs under PMEGP

· Government has provided financial assistance to women entrepreneurs in setting up 14,768 projects in 2016-17 under Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) aimed at generating employment in rural and urban areas of the country.

· The maximum number of 1,484 projects were from Assam, followed by 1,387 in Uttar Pradesh, 1,248 in Tamil Nadu, 942 in Odisha, and 915 in Bihar, besides other States/UTs with varying number of projects.

· Under the PMEGP scheme women entrepreneurs are provided 25% and 35% subsidies for the project set up in urban and rural areas respectively.

MoUWITH AYUSH

            Ministry of MSME and Ministry of AYUSH signed an MoU in June, 2018 in New Delhi. The MoU has created synergies through the institutions and schemes of both Ministries for the development of AYUSH enterprises in the country. The objective of this partnership is to position India as a world leader in “Holistic Healthcare”.

            AYUSH is a rising sector, having immense potential for preventive, curative and rehabilitative health and has been part of India’s socio-cultural heritage. AYUSH industry include the Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy drug manufacturing units as well as the healthcare delivery centers in public & private sectors and are essentially dominated by MSMEs, which need handholding in the areas of entrepreneurship development, capacity building and financial assistance in order to grow and increase the market share of AYUSH.

            The domestic market for AYUSH sector has been increasing steadily over the past decade. There is also an acceptance of traditional medicines worldwide. Export of AYUSH products like food supplements, nutraceuticals and herbal extracts has increased significantly. In order to benefit from this the Ministries of MSME and AYUSH agreed to join hands for developing enterprises in this sector. Both Ministries are organizing regional workshops for entrepreneurship development in AYUSH sector and Ministry of MSME has framed new schemes for AYUSH industries to get the benefits of SIDBI.

UNITED NATIONS WOMEN’S DAY– 2018

            On the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8^th 2018, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSME) launched a portal for women entrepreneurs of India: www.udyamsakhi.org.

            Around 8 million women have set up and are running their own businesses in India and the Ministry of MSME is committed to ensure that women in India continue to play a vital role in the growth of the Indian economy.

            The portal is a network for nurturing entrepreneurship and creating business models for low cost products and services in order to empower women and make them self-reliant and self-sufficient.

            The portal provides assistance through its platform for entrepreneurship learning tools, incubation facility,training programs for fund raising, providing mentors, one-on-one investor meet, provide market survey facility and technical assistance.

            MSME Ministry is creating a vibrant MSME sector by promoting growth and development of this sector including Khadi, Village and Coir industries, in cooperation with the concerned ministries and departments, state governments and other stake holders.

KHADI AND VILLAGE INDUSTRIES COMMISSION

Solar Charkha Mission

A village woman spinning yarn on a Solar Charkha

            The President of India,Ram NathKovind launched the Solar Charkha Mission on 27^th June,2018 at a function in New Delhi. This Mission cover 50 clusters across the country with a budget of Rs.550 crore for the year 2018-19 and 2019-20. The scheme will generate direct employment to nearly one lakh persons in rural areas and will also contribute to the green economy. Solar Charkha Units have been classified as village industries.The scheme of Solar Charkha Mission was proposed in the Union Budget 2018-19 to harness non-conventional solar energy to further employment generation.

KVIC Sets World Record in ‘Sweet Revolution’

In order to increase the production of honey KVIC has launched the honey mission. Beekeeping is suited to rural areas and available local resources and KVIC is playing a vital role in utilizing these resources for the benefit of villagers.

KVIC established a separate department called the Directorate of Beekeeping in Mumbai and Central Bee Research and Training Institute at Pune and started beekeeping in modern and scientific methods.

            The apiary of Rashtrapati Bhavan has started giving yields and 186 kilograms of honey was extracted from the gardens of the Presidential House in March this year. Rashtrapati Bhavan has abundant flora and fauna, including lush trees of mangoes, Indian blackberries (jamun), neem and drumsticks.

            KVIC had earlier conducted an apiculture training course for the gardeners of Rashtrapati Bhavan, in which they were provided tips to care and value of beekeeping in maintaining the flora and fauna. KVIC installed many bee-boxes in different phases in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Rashtrapati Bhavan has plans to use this honey and related products as gift items for the visiting foreign dignitaries.

            The KVIC beekeeping program in Rashtrapati Bhavan covers the 16,000 flowers and plants in the premises. The abundant trees on the premise of the Rashtrapati Bhavan is suitable for pollination which will massively increase the yield of the crops in the neighbouring areas.

            Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) distributed 1,000 bee-boxes among 100 Mishing Assamese tribe in the Kaziranga forest area on May 21 this year on the occasion of World Honey Bee Day.

            KVIC also distributed bee boxes in the Zangalee Army area at Kupwara, Kashmir in June this year. Two thousand three hundred thirty bee-boxes were distributed among 233 beneficiaries in the Zangalee Army area.

            The programme in Kupwara was held in association with the Indian Army under its Sadbhawna programme in order to establish peace and harmony in the valley.

            Indian Army helped in providing training and also provided 10 percent finance for setting up of the apiaries. This has helped the beneficiaries to access the KVIC platform for earning a livelihood.

KHADI ON THE CATWALK

            This year, for the first time, KVIC collaborated with Lakme Fashion Week to showcase Khadi as a fabric of sustainable development. Collections of hand-spun and hand-woven Khadi fabric made by four designer labels hit the ramp in the Lakmefashion week in Mumbai this year. Cluster areas of Elgandal (Telangana), Kanjarpur (Madhya Pradesh), Bastar (Chhattisgarh), Hoshiarpur (Punjab), Malda, Burdwan and Murshidabad (West Bengal) contributed the signature fabric of India Khadi for the fashion show.

Commemorating the 150^th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

• KVIC brought together Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of cleanliness and Khadi by selling customized Khadi uniform sets to Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) for its 4,000 strongsafaikarmacharis.
• In April 2018, KVIC launchedits store-locating Mobile App. This App will connect more than 4000 Khadi India outlets and give detailed location and availability of products at the stores to buyers at a single click on their mobile phones.
• Khadi was showcased at South Africa on June 7 this year at the Pietermaritzburg Railway Station where Gandhi ji was thrown off a train for refusing to give up his seat in a first class, “whites-only” compartment, 125 years ago, in 1893.
• The External Affairs Minister,SushmaSwarajtook the train journeyon June 7 this year from Pentrich to Pietermaritzburg. Hundreds of metres of Khadi, the hand spun and hand woven signature fabric of India synonymous with Mahatma Gandhi, adorned all the compartments and engine of the train which ran to commemorate that incident.
• SushmaSwaraj also unveiled the bust of Mahatma Gandhi byspinning a charkha.

POPULARSING KHADI

            Raymond Khadi

• Thecompany launched its Raymond Khadi in retail marketing byorganizing a Khadi Fashion showin the presence of the elite guests.

India’s Khadi Fabric

• KVIC joined in the National Day event of Montenegro in India on July 13, 2018 in New Delhi. The event was named Trendy Montenegro with Indian Khadi. Diplomats donned the hand-spun, hand-woven, natural fibre.

• Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) dispatched its first consignment of Khadi products to the High Commission of Trinidad and Tobago on 2nd August 2018.

REVIVAL OF SICK KHADI INSTITUTIONS

            In order to revive the sick Khadi Institutions, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) implements ‘Strengthening of Infrastructure of Existing Weak Khadi Institutions and assistance for Marketing Infrastructure’ scheme.

The scheme is meant to meet need based support to the sick Khadi Institutions which have potential to attain normalcy. Sales performance of entire sector under Khadi and Village Industries has increased from Rs. 41894.56 crore in 2015-16 to Rs. 60451.28 crore in 2017-18.

There is no plan to reopen closed Khadi Gram Udyogcentres in different panchayats of the country.

TECHNOLOGY CENTRE SYSTEMS PROGRAMME (TCSP)

            Ministry of MSME is implementing Technology Centre Systems Programme (TCSP) at an estimated cost of Rs. 2200 crore, including World Bank Loan assistance of USD 200 million, to establish 15 new Tool Rooms and Technology Development Centres (TCs) and upgrade the existing 18 TCs across the country.

Work on 10 Technology Centres at:

• Rohtak
• Bhiwadi
• Baddi
• Bengaluru
• Durg
• Puducherry
• Vishakhapatnam
• Sitarganj
• Bhopal
• Kanpur

• Work on these Technology Centreshave already started and they will start functioning soon.

• The contract for Technology Centres at Ernakulam and Imphal has been signed in the month of March, 2018.

• Construction work has started for upgradation of 3 existing Technology Centres – Bhubaneswar, Mumbai and Aurangabad.

• For development of North Eastern Region (NER), a special scheme has been framed under which setting up of Technology Centres at Tinsukia (Assam), Dimapur (Nagaland) and Agartala (Tripura) have been approved and work is in progress.

SMEs AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

· The Ministry of MSMEs, organized the first ever International SME Convention in New Delhi from 22^nd to 24^th April 2018. Delegates from 39 countries participated in the Convention.

· Delegates attended the convention from Australia, Austria, France, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Korea, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sri Lanka, South Africa and UAE.

· 160 SMEs from these countries represented small enterprises of their countries in the sectors of agriculture, healthcare, strategic defence training, education, logistics, digital entertainment and waste management.

· Poland, with 15 SMEs, had the largest delegation, followed by Uzbekistan with 8 SMEs and Ghana with 7. Four hundred SMEs from India also participated.

· The Convention held a special session on the theme “Women Entrepreneurs – Sustainable Livelihoods to Successful Business” for women entrepreneurs from India, Finland, Italy, Russia and Cambodia who shared their experiences of success and obstacles faced by them.

· MSME Ministry is in the process of drafting strategies for encouraging women to set up their own businesses.

Twenty-three agreements were signed between SMEs of India and SMEs of UK, Russia, Uzbekistan, Poland, Bhutan, Austria, Czech Republic, Cameroon and Sri Lanka. These agreements are in 12 sectors:

• food processing
• agriculture
• textiles
• defence
• ammunition
• waste management
• dairy products
• coal
• jewellery
•  health care
• Education

· Four foreign SMEs also signed Expression of Interest for entering into joint ventures with Government of India.

· The Ministry is setting up a Digital Trade Desk aimed at furthering more collaborations between SMEs of India and other countries and for exchange of data.

· The SMEConvention will be an annual feature with 79 countries showing interest to participate in the next convention.

· During the 2018 Convention around 150 exhibitors from India and abroad had set up stalls showcasing their business and products.

· During the inaugural function 35 of India’s Small Giants were felicitated by the Minister of MSME Ministry. The companies felicitated are dealing with logistics, bio-technology, pharma, semi-conductors, textiles, gems and jewellery, security and chemicals.

· During the 2 days’ SME Convention a Khadi fashion show called “Transcending Boundaries” was held. The show curated by Sunil Sethi of the Fashion Design Council of India and featured designs made from Khadifabric by Rohit Bal, Anju Modi, Payal Jain and Poonam Bhagat.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATIONS

Inauguration  of India-Korea Technology Exchange Centre

             The India-Korea Technology Exchange Centre was inaugurated by the Minister of State (I/C) MSME, Giriraj Singh and Minister of SMEs and Start-ups of Republic of Korea, Hong Jong -hak on 10^th July,2018 in New Delhi.

The purpose of the Technology Exchange Centre is to:

• create a platform for micro, small and medium enterprises of India and Korea where they can be assisted to identify and exchange latest technologies, share management expertise, product development and technology applications for product development.

• The Technology Centre will work towards building reliable alliances in space, solar energy, nano technologies and other developing technologies.

• Many Korean organizations have shown interest to initiate technology transfers in MSME sectors between the two countries and this Centre will provide them reliable partners for effecting business alliances.

Enhanced Cooperation Between India and Morocco

            India and Morocco signed an MoU for deepening cooperation between MSME sectors of the two countries in Rabat, Morocco this year. The MoU was signed by CMD, National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), RavindraNath and Director General, Maroc PME, Mr. RabriBarrazoukaon 26th September 2018. Through this MOU, the NSIC and Maroc PME will work together to enhance cooperation opportunities for MSMEs of both countries. It will facilitate transfer of Indian technologies and products to Morocco.

            Bilateral meetings were held between India and Morocco for further enhancing cooperation in MSME Sector and both sides discussed ways and means to synergize the strengths of both countries in the MSME sector in terms of capacity building, sharing of experiences, exchange of business delegations for creating linkages, JVs and technology transfers.

MoUBetween India and Russia on Cooperation in the Field of MSME

The Union Cabinet approved signingof a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC) – a Public Sector Undertaking of the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) of the Republic of India and JSC-Russian Small & Medium Business Corporation (RSMB Corporation), Russia.The MoU was signed during the visit of Russian President to India in October,2018.

            The objective of the MoU is to promote cooperation between the Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of the two countries.

• It will provide a structured framework and enabling environment to the MSME sector of the two countries to understand each other’s strengths, markets, technologies and policies.
• It aims to enhance enterprise to enterprise cooperation and help initiate sustainable business alliances in terms of technology transfers, joint ventures and business partnerships in MSME sector between the two countries.
• Cooperation in the field of capacity building, rapid incubation for entrepreneurship development, exposure to each other’s market by encouraging participation in exhibitions are also envisaged in this MoU.
• This cooperation is expected to open doors to new opportunities for Indian MSME sector by way of new markets, joint ventures, sharing of best practices and technology collaborations.

Indian SMEs Delegation Participates in 8th European SMEs Congress in Poland

            A delegation of 32 Indian SMEs participated in the 8^th European Congress on SMEs at Kotawice, Poland, heldfrom 17^thto 19^th October, 2018. India is home to more than 60 million MSMEs, which have the ability and capability to access international markets and work as ancillaries to large international companies. These MSMEs provide livelihood to more than 100 million people and create value for the entire global community. It is imperative to integrate Indian SMEs into the global value chain by establishing linkages with international partners.In order to fructify the opportunities for Indian SMEs, theCongress was anopportunity to make direct business relations between European and Indian SMEs.

Small and Medium Enterprises from around 50 countries   participated in the 3-day event. The main theme of the event was “Business-Self-Government Together for Economy”.

The organizers   allotted a special session of one and a half hour for discussion about trade and business opportunities with India and Indian SMEs.

The Indian delegation showcased Indian products and services at the Expo in the Indian Pavilion.

India-Taiwan SME Development Forum

            India- Taiwan SME Development Forum was held at Taipei, Taiwan, from 13^th to 17^th November, 2018.

• The MSME sector in India occupies a position of strategic importance.
• At present there are over 63 million MSMEs across various industries that employ more than 111 million people and produce more than 8,000 products, ranging from traditional to high-tech precision items.
• The MSME sector is the second largest employment generating sector in India after agriculture.
• In order to promote a culture of entrepreneurship Government of India has launched programs like Start Up India and Stand Up India whichhas resulted in India having the 3^rd largest start up ecosystem in the world with more than 26,000 start-ups.
• Sectors like electronics, auto-components, textiles, automobiles, bamboo industry, in which Taiwan has largest concentration, are of special interest to India.
• Twenty enterprises from India in the field of general engineering, auto components, electronics & plastics attended the forum with the aim of seeking linkages in their respective fields with their Taiwanese counterparts.
• The MSME Ministry has launched an International Cooperation Scheme for the Indian MSMEs with the objective of technology infusion and upgradation and their modernization and promotion of exports.

MSME CONVENTIONS

Udyam Sangam-2018

            To mark the UN SME Day on 27^th June,2018, the M/o MSME organizedthe Convention- Udyam Sangam-2108 for the MSME sector in the country, which was inaugurated by President of India, Ram NathKovind, in New Delhi.

‘Sampark’ portal of the Ministry of MSME was also unveiled by the President. This portal isa bridge between the talent pool and enterprises seeking trained man power.

Nearly three thousand delegates from Ministries and Departments of Central Government, State and Union Territories, Autonomous Bodies, MSME Associations, Non-Banking Financial Corporations, Private Sector and Public Sector Banks, Venture Capitalists, Entrepreneurs and Self Help Groups participated in the day long convention.

They deliberated upon a range of issues that included MSME Credit, entrepreneurship of aspirational groups and regions, agri-business enterprises, challenges before Services, Knowledge and Manufacturing Sectors, women entrepreneurs, development and strengthening of access to market and health care and Ayush enterprises. In order to develop a system for creating awareness about Government schemes, a session on communication and media was also held.

The Conclave was organized with the purpose of encouraging dialogue and partnerships among various stakeholders of the MSME ecosystem for promoting innovation and knowledge sharing on MSME related issues.

It was also aimed at creating awareness about the MSME sector at the national level and assuring through declaration of specific measures for knowledge, marketing, technical and financial handholding by the Government of India of the MSME Sector at the grass-root level.

“UdyamSangam2018” is a step forward towards consolidating the convergence and synergy of all the government initiatives relating to the MSME sector.

The UN General Assembly in its 74^th Plenary held on the 6^th April, 2017 declared 27^thJune as Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day, recognizing the importance of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in achieving sustainable development goals and in promoting innovation, creativity and sustainable work for all.

UdyamSamvad

            A two-days’ Conference of Development Institutes, Technology Centres and Tool Rooms titled UdyamSamvad was organized by the Ministry of MSME on 16^th-17^th April,2018 in New Delhi.

The aim of the conference was to give wide publicity to the successful ventures of the MSME Ministry like clusters and tool rooms so that many more could be set-up in the country.

The aim of the conference was greater dissemination of information about schemes for MSMEs in different Ministries and through the conference the Ministry worked to reachthe village level for which Development Institutes were urged to coordinate with district functionaries.

INFORMATION AND AWARENESS

E-Newsletter of MSME Ministry

            MSME Ministry launched a monthly e-newsletter called‘[MSME Insider’on 19^th September,2018 in New Delhi.

Giriraj Singh, MoS (I/C), MSME launching MSME insider – e-newsletter

• The e-newsletter gives information about the activities undertaken by the Ministry and also connects the Ministry with the millions of MSME units spread out across the country.
• The e-newsletter assists in the regular flow of information about the sector to the MSMEs and also helps in developing a two-way communication between the Ministry and its stakeholders.
• Apart from providing information to MSMEs and the general public about Ministry’s Schemes, the e-newsletter provides information about latest innovations in technology, upcoming events and training programsfor the month and also carries interesting articles on relevant topics and success stories of the entrepreneurs who have benefitted from the schemes of the Ministry.
• The e-newsletter is available on the website of the Ministry www.msme.gov.in as well as on the websites of its attached organizations and is also distributed to about 50 lakh MSMEs registered on theUdyogAadhaar Memorandum Portal.

E- Initiatives

            A portal of the Ministry of MSME called “Sampark” was unveiled by the President of India, Ram NathKovind,on 27^th June,2018,on the occasion of UN SME Day, in New Delhi. The portal acts as a bridge between the talent pool and those enterprises seeking trained man power.

AWARDS AND REWARDS

            At the end of the International Trade Fair this year, on 27th November, at PragatiMaidan, the Ministry of MSME received the Silver Medal while KVIC won the Bronze Medal for their pavilions in the Ministries and Departments, PSUs, PSB and Commodity Boards category.