New Delhi, Sep 6 (KNN) Leveraging the Stand-Up India programme of the Government, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) has decided to form a High Level Committee, to be headed by MSME Minister, for reviewing, guiding and monitoring the work done by National SC/ST Hub and other departments for SC/ST entrepreneurs.

The Ministry of MSME on July 25, 2016 approved the scheme for setting up of National Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe Hub to provide professional support to SC & ST entrepreneurs to fulfil the obligation under the Central Government/ procurement policy.

“It is now decided to constitute a High Powered Committee chaired by the Hon'ble Minister for MSME to provide guidance, review and monitor the work done by the National SC/ST Hub and various Ministries and organizations in the Government for SC/ST entrepreneurs,” the Ministry said in a notification.

The Minister for MSME, Kalraj Mishra, would be the Chairman of the Committee and the MoS for MSME Haribhai P.Chaudhary; Secretary, Ministry of MSME; Secretary, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment; Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs; CEO, NITI Aayog or representative; Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises or representative; Secretary, Department of Financial Services or representative will be its members.

Along with other members from various departments, heads or representatives of industry bodies including - Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI); Confederation of Indian Industry (CII); Federation of Indian Micro & Small and Medium Enterprises (FISME); Laghu Udyog Bharti and more would also be the members of the High Level Committee.

According to the Public Procurement Policy, 20% of total procurement of goods and services by Central Ministries and CPSEs shall be made from the MSEs.

20% of such procurement from MSEs, i.e 4% of total procurement of goods and services shall be made from MSEs owned by SC & ST entrepreneurs.

Presently, less than 0.5% of total procurement of goods and services of CPSEs is made from enterprises owned by SC/ST. (KNN Bureau)