MSMEs Can Strengthen Bundelkhand’s Economy, Expand Employment Beyond Agriculture: Jhansi Commissioner

Lucknow, Sept 3 (KNN) The MSME sector has significant potential to generate employment after agriculture and strengthen local economies, Jhansi Divisional Commissioner Bimal Kumar Dubey said while inaugurating a two-day vendor development programme for MSMEs on Wednesday.

Organised by the MSME Development Office, Kanpur, under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, in association with the Bundelkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), the programme featured over 15 stalls by PSUs, government departments, banks and MSME units showcasing products and services.

Focus On Local Manufacturing And Procurement

Dubey stressed the need to promote ‘Vocal for Local’ and highlighted MSMEs’ role in expanding employment beyond agriculture, reported Times Of India.

He said public procurement policy mandates Central PSUs and government organisations to source 25 percent of annual procurement from micro and small enterprises, including sub-targets for SC/ST and women-owned businesses.

He also highlighted Bundelkhand’s renewable energy potential, noting that solar power generation has reached 275 MW, with 250 MW in Jhansi and 200 MW in Lalitpur, according to figures cited at the event.

Jhansi Eyeing Industrial Hub Status

District Magistrate Gaurang Rathi said vendor development programmes help bridge the gap between MSMEs and markets. He said a roadmap has been prepared to develop Jhansi as an industrial hub, with making Bundelkhand a manufacturing hub among the government’s priorities.

BIDA Additional CEO Praveen Verma briefed participants on public procurement provisions and GeM registration. He said a new industrial city is being developed near Jhansi, with 28,000 acres of land acquired.

Jhansi Development Authority Vice-Chairman Himanshu Gautam said the authority was supporting the Defence Corridor and other industrial initiatives. A 1,200-acre housing project has also been proposed to support industrial development and MSME units.

Programme To Strengthen MSME-Market Linkages

BCCI President Dhiraj Khullar said the programme would benefit entrepreneurs across Bundelkhand and support the vision of a self-reliant India.

MSME Development Office Director Vishnu Kumar Verma said the programme aims to facilitate direct interaction between MSMEs, government departments and PSUs, helping entrepreneurs access procurement and market opportunities.

(KNN Bureau)