New Delhi, April 9 (KNN) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to make full use of government programmes to strengthen their businesses.

Modi, who called SMEs key employers of a vast section of socially disadvantaged people, said, “You provide employment to 11-12 crore people, the majority of whom are scheduled castes (SCs), scheduled tribes (STs), other backward classes (OBCs) and minorities."

In an open letter to the small entrepreneurs, PM said, 'India depends on you for its growth, jobs and prosperity. I urge you to take full advantage of the programmes announced by the government. We Indians are proud, self-made people.'

Modi said this a day after his government launched the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana to help finance small and micro businesses.

 "If your hands are strengthened, I am confident you will take the nation to even greater heights. You should be able to run your business easily—not be harassed by officials, get loans for your day-to-day activities, material for your operations, markets for your products. You should be protected from any financial crisis and feel secure about your future,” Modi said in the letter.

"The Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana provides an accident insurance of Rs.2 lakh at a mere Rs.1 premium. The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana is a life insurance of Rs.2 lakh at Rs.1 per day premium," the letter said.

PM assured that the schemed announced in the budget to help the small and medium enterprises will be rolled out soon. (KNN/SD)