New Delhi, Aug 3 (KNN) MSME play the most vital role in employment generation which will help Uttar Pradesh achieve its USD 1 trillion economy goal, says Rajendra Agrawal, Member of Parliament from the Meerut constituency.

In an interview with KNN, he spoke about the MSME sector and Meerut’s growth as an investment destination. Edited excerpts:

How do you see the role of MSME in reducing the unemployment problem?

MSME sector is India’s biggest employer after agriculture and currently employment scarcity is due to covid-19 pandemic which has stressed the industries and economy as well. In order to rebuild our economy we must focus on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat as various schemes have been introduced under this initiative with a specific focus on MSMEs. They play the most crucial role in generating employment through which we can move ahead and progress.

Where do you see Meerut’s position in achieving Uttar Pradesh’s USD 1 trillion economy goal?

The idea is to create employment through skill training of our youth who can share their input in the economy either being an employer or employee. It is difficult to get employment if the their skills do not meet the demand of the industry, but if the individuals aspire to become entrepreneurs there are plethora of government schemes to support them.

If they are skilled government will arrange finance and help them to start their small business. This is the roadmap to achieve 1 trillion economy and Meerut being the manufacturing hub for sports good will harness its capacity under the ODOP scheme. Further, we will ensure that MSMEs will get all the necessary support such as loans, skill training etc.

It’s seldom that challenges faced by the MSME sector are discussed in the Parliament. How do you plan to highlight their issues?

MSME related questions are being raised in the Parliament, however they need to be organized in a forum manner. Every MP regardless of their political affiliation recognizes this fact that after agriculture it is the MSME sector that provides maximum number of employment and exports and we must focus on them.

What is your priority as the MP from the Meerut constituency?

Our objective is to resolve the problems faced by MSMEs either with government authority, revenue department or taxation department. We focus on interactive sessions with the MSMEs and the stakeholders and promotion of their goods and products.

How do you see Meerut transforming as an investment destination?

Connectivity was one area where Meerut fell short which blocked its investment passage but since 2014 the State government has improved its connectivity to nearby cities and national capital. Investments that were going to other places from Meerut are now staying here and has made Meerut one of the best investment destination in the West of UP.  (KNN / KT)