Maharashtra Builds Corpus for SC/ST Entrepreneurs

Dec 03, 2018

SC/ST Entrepreneurs Conclave was organised by Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India and the Department of Industries, Government of Maharashtra in association with MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai. Mr. Subhash Desai, Hon’ble Minister for Industries and Mining, Government of Maharashtra while inaugurating the Conclave said, “Government of Maharashtra has set up an Rs 80 crore venture capital fund to support entrepreneurs belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The state government aims to support at least 1,000 SC and ST entrepreneurs to set up manufacturing facilities in three ongoing industry cluster projects across the state.”

Ms. Alka Arora, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Government of India said, “Ministry of MSME has tied up with 17 states to promote SC-ST Hub. Annual procurement by central government departments and central public sector undertakings amounts to Rs 1.3 lakh crore business opportunity, of this government has mandated at least 4% procurement from SC and ST entrepreneurs.”

Mr. Satish Gavai, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Industry), Government of Maharashtra suggested SC and ST entrepreneurs to adhere to strict quality standards so that they can take advantage of procurement opportunities from public sector undertakings.

Dr. Harshdeep Kamble, IAS, Development Commissioner (Industries), Directorate of Industries, Government of Maharashtra said, “I urge SC and ST entrepreneurs to apply for equity funding under venture capital scheme of Government of Maharashtra.”

He pointed out that Government of India has introduced monitoring system for efficient implementation of the SC-ST Hub programme.
Ms. Rupa Naik, Senior Director, MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai said, “SC and ST entrepreneurs can make use the wide network of more than 320 World Trade Centers across the world to explore export opportunities.”

The inaugural session was also addressed by Ms. Kalpana Saroj, Managing Director, Kamani Tubes, Mr. B Thiagarajan, Chairman, CII Maharashtra State Council and Mr. Nattha Ram, Chairman, Steel Mont Pvt Ltd.

The three-day Conclave featured interactive panel sessions, vendor development programmes, B2B Meetings, exhibitions and field visit. More than 150 exhibitors, including start-up enterprises, central and state public sector undertakings, micro, small and medium enterprises participated at the event.

Top Photo

Mr. Subhash Desai lighting the ceremonial lamp. Also seen (L-R): Ms. Alka Arora, Mr. Satish Gavai, Ms. Kalpana Saroj and Dr. Harshdeep Kamble.

Below Photo

Mr. S. S. Survase, Joint Director of Industries, Directorate of industries, Government of Maharashtra felicitating Ms. Rupa Naik.