New Delhi: The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi participated in the ‘Udyami Bharat’ programme today and launched key initiatives like ‘Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance’ (RAMP) scheme, ‘Capacity Building of First-Time MSME Exporters’ (CBFTE) scheme and new features of the ‘Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme’ (PMEGP) to ramp up the MSME sector. He also digitally transferred assistance to beneficiaries of PMEGP for 2022-23; announced results of the MSME Idea Hackathon, 2022; distributed National MSME Awards, 2022; and issued Digital Equity Certificates to 75 MSMEs in the Self Reliant India (SRI) Fund. Union Ministers Shri Narayan Rane and Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Varma, MSME stakeholders from all over the country, and diplomats from various countries were among those present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that the efforts of MSME India will be a key driver of Aatmnirbhar Bharat. He said whatever heights the 21st century India will achieve, that will be dependent on the success of the MSME sector. He emphasised that it is important for India’s MSME sector to be strong for increasing India’s exports and for India’s products to reach new markets. “Our government is taking decisions and making new policies keeping in mind your ability and the immense potential of this sector”, he added. He said that the initiatives launched today and other measures undertaken by the government are linked with the quality and promotion of MSME.
The Prime Minister remarked that when we say MSME, it expands in technical language to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises. But these micro, small and medium enterprises are a huge pillar of India’s growth journey. The MSME sector accounts for almost one-third of India’s economy. Strengthening the MSME sector is strengthening the entire society, making everyone recipient of the benefits of development. That is why this sector is one of the highest priorities of the government, he said.
To strengthen the MSME sector, in the last eight years, the Prime Minister said, the government has increased the budget allocation for this by more than 650%. “For us, MSME means – Maximum Support to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises”, the Prime Minister stressed.
Noting that more than 11 crore people are connected with the sector, The Prime Minister remarked that MSME is critical for employment generation. During the pandemic, the government decided to save the small enterprises and give them new strength. Under the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme, the central government has ensured Rs 3.5 lakh crore for MSMEs, he said. As per a report, this resulted in saving about 1.5 crore jobs, the Prime Minister informed. He said that MSME is a major medium for achieving the pledges of ‘Amrit Kaal’ of India’s independence.
Modi recalled a time when earlier governments did not recognize the importance of the sector and shackled the sector by adopting policies that kept the small enterprise small. To address this, the definition of MSME was changed. The Prime Minister said if any industry wants to grow and expand, then the government is not only supporting it but is also making necessary changes in the policies.
—PTI

Press Trust of India