Arunachal CM Pushes For MSME Growth, Calls For Faster Expansion In Northeast

Itanagar, Feb 24 (KNN) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday underscored the importance of the MSME sector in driving India’s economic growth, calling for accelerated momentum in the Northeast and particularly in Arunachal Pradesh.
 
Speaking at a national-level mega awareness programme organised by the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) under the Union Ministry of MSME, in coordination with the Arunachal Pradesh government, Khandu cited national data showing that the MSME sector supports over 7 crore enterprises across the country and benefits more than 31 crore people.
 
Focus on SC/ST Empowerment
 
Khandu noted that since 2014, several policy interventions have been undertaken to strengthen the economy, with a special emphasis on uplifting Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
 
He referred to the launch of the National SC-ST Hub in 2016, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among SC/ST communities and enhancing their participation in public procurement.
 
The awareness programme was organised to ensure that SC and ST entrepreneurs benefit from central schemes and actively participate in the country’s economic progress, reported The Times Of India.
 
Public Procurement Mandate
 
Highlighting key policy measures, Khandu said that 25 percent of total government procurement is mandated from MSMEs. Of this, 4 percent is reserved for SC/ST entrepreneurs. 
 
3 percent is specifically earmarked for women entrepreneurs. He described the procurement policy as a progressive step that creates significant opportunities for inclusive and equitable growth.
 
While acknowledging the strong national footprint of MSMEs, Khandu emphasised the need to expand outreach and implementation in the Northeast, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, to fully harness the sector’s potential.
 
(KNN Bureau)