Gadkari calls IIT alumni for development of a new model to support self-employed from disadvantaged background

New Delhi, July 21 (KNN) Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Nitin Gadkari has called for financial, technological and marketing support to small enterprise owners including fisherman, ferry walas, vegetable vendors, and self-help groups among others.

While addressing ‘Pan IIT Global E-Conclave on reimagining MSMEs and Livelihoods’ through video conference, Gadkari also emphasized on the need for adopting a model which can help micro and small businesses in the country.

''Most of the population in the country is involved in very small enterprises like fishing, Bee-keeping, Bamboo production etc. and are economically and socially backward and lack sufficient financial support for them. They are hardworking, skilled, talented and honest but due to lack of finance they cannot do any value addition in their businesses/works,'' Gadkari said.

''With a little financial, technological and marketing support they can grow their business which in turn will definitely boost employment opportunities in rural, agricultural and tribal areas and will also give strength to our GDP,'' he added.

Gadkari also invited suggestions to develop a model to help and finance these socially, economically and educationally backward entrepreneurs. He said that this model should be transparent, corruption free, IT enabled with less procedural hassles and needing least permissions etc.

He expressed hope that the model when approved by NITI Ayog, Finance Ministry, can support a lot of enterprises involved in bamboo, honey production, alternative fuels and other areas.