New Delhi, Jun 26 (KNN)  In a bid to promote small units the Ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) has invited applications from exceptional entrepreneurs for the 2012 awards.   

The National Awards were instituted by the Ministry in 1983 to felicitate outstanding performers in the MSME sector in the areas of entrepreneurship, research and development, product quality and innovation.

The first, second and third National Awards carry cash prizes of Rs 1 lakh, Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000, respectively, besides a certificate and trophy.

There were 108 MSME awardees for the year 2011 including 39 from MSME Sector.  

Gujarat based business woman Sangita Shrinand Palshikar won the MSME national award-2011 for best woman entrepreneur while Nirmal Rani of Haryana bagged the first prize for outstanding SC/ST entrepreneur last year. (KNN)