PM participates in ‘Udyami Bharat’ programme

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on 30th June, 2022, participated in the ‘Udyami Bharat’ programme which is reflective of the continuous commitment of the government to work towards the empowerment of MSMEs. During the programme, the PM 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. 

‘Udyami Bharat’ is reflective of the continuous commitment of the government, right from day one, to work towards the empowerment of MSMEs. The government has launched several initiatives from time to time like MUDRA Yojana, Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS), Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) etc. to provide necessary and timely support to the MSME sector, which has helped benefit crores of people across the country.

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 the need of a robust MSME sector in India for raising exports and expanding the market reach of Indian goods. He also stated that the government is taking decisions and making new policies keeping in mind the ability and the immense potential of this sector. He said that the initiatives launched and other measures undertaken by the government are linked with the quality and promotion of MSME. MSMEs are a huge pillar of India’s growth journey and it accounts for almost one-third of India’s economy and to further strengthen the MSME sector, the government in the last 8 years has increased the budget allocation by more than 650%.

Shri 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. The Prime Minister pointed out that in GeM, MSME has got a very strong platform to provide goods and services to the government. He asked every MSME to get registered on the GeM portal. Similarly, prohibiting global tenders for projects worth less than 200 crore will also help the MSMEs. He also said that the government is taking measures to help MSME in increasing exports. The Indian Mission abroad has been told to work on this and the missions are being evaluated on three parameters i.e. trade, technology and tourism. Talking about inclusive development, the Prime Minister said that trans-gender entrepreneurs are being provided with all help to realize their goals.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the difficulty in getting loans without guarantees was a major obstacle for the vulnerable sections of the society to pursue the path of entrepreneurship.  After 2014, it was decided to enlarge the ambit of entrepreneurship through Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas. Mudra Yojana, he said, has a huge role to play in making entrepreneurship easy for every Indian. This scheme of bank loans without guarantee has created a large section of women entrepreneurs, Dalit, backward, tribal entrepreneurs in the country.

So far, about Rs 19 lakh crore has been given as a loan under this scheme. Among the borrowers, there are about 7 crore such entrepreneurs, who have started an enterprise for the first time, who have now become new entrepreneurs, he added. He also noted that on Udyam Portal too, more than 18 percent of those registered are women entrepreneurs. “This inclusiveness in entrepreneurship, this economic inclusion is social justice in the true sense”, he said.

The Prime Minister concluded by saying “Through this program, I assure all my brothers and sisters associated with the MSME sector that the government is committed to making policies that meet your needs and walk pro-actively with you. Every accomplishment of an entrepreneurial India will lead us towards a self-reliant India. I believe in you and in your ability."

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1838174