New Delhi, Apr 10 (KNN) The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has released new guidelines for the “Digital MSME" Scheme for promotion of Information & Communication Technology in MSME Sector.

This scheme is a component of Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme for Technology Up-gradation (CLCS- TU).

The previous Digital MSME scheme had provision to provide subsidy to MSEs for using Cloud Based software. In order to make maximum number of MSMEs digitally empowered, the present version of the scheme has been conceived keeping in mind the diverse digital needs of the sector.

According to the new guidelines, the main components of the scheme would include Awareness Program and Work Shop, Development of e-Platform, Development of software/Apps for MSMEs, Digital Literacy and e-marketing, Training to MSME officials, MSMEs, Professionals etc., Digital Empowerment through Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Assistance for IT infrastructure to various Implementing Agencies (IA) upto Rs.10 lakhs per IA, Futuristic developments, Publicity, Branding and Mobilization, impact Assessment and Survey including Data Analytics and Miscellaneous Expenses.

The scheme is proposed to be implemented up to financial year 2019-20 by actively involving State Governments.

The main objective of scheme is to make MSMEs digitally empowered and motivate them to adopt ICT tools and applications in their production & business processes with a view to improve their competitiveness in national and international mark.

Besides this, it aims to empower and enable MSMEs to harness IT as a medium of communication to revamp access to the markets to update their managerial and technical knowledge though online content-both static and dynamic and to evolve internal efficiencies by way of intense ICT intake and automating procedure for cost reduction and capacity enhancement for information access, processing, collaboration and dissemination.

Under this scheme, large number of MSMEs are expected to be benefited in terms of standardization of their business processes, improvement in delivery time, reduction in inventory carrying cost, improvement in productivity and quality of production, controlling cost & time, improved customer satisfaction etc.

A National Monitoring and Implementation Unit (NMIU) shall be setup in the office of DC (MSME) to take care of facilitation, implementation and monitoring of the scheme involving Implementing Agencies (IAs) in accordance with established procedure. The scheme will be implemented by actively involving State Governments.

A  Project Monitoring and Advisory Committee (PMAC) set up  in  the Office of DC MSME will look after the planning, screening, identification of  interventions, projects and such other functions as may be necessary to  ensure effective implementation of the scheme. All proposals under the scheme will   be received by lAs and submitted to PMAC through NMIU.

PMAC will be headed by AS&DC MSME as Chairman and the members would include - other senior officials from DC MSME and expert representatives of industries and associations.

PMAC will have overall responsibility for policy formulation for scheme implementation and monitoring agency. It will   be empowered to take all key decisions related to the scheme and also approve minor modifications for operational expediency. PMAC will   hold its meeting as and when required.

All MSMEs registered under MSME Act 2006 as amended from time to time and also MSMEs which are included as per executive orders issued by Office of DC (MSME) consistent with MSME Act from time to time will be eligible for the scheme. (KNN/YV)