Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 14 (KNN) The Industries Minister of Kerala, P. Rajeeve, announced at a press conference held on Wednesday that the state witnessed the launch of more than one lakh micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for the second successive year under the entrepreneurship year initiative spearheaded by the Industries department.

During his address, Minister Rajeeve disclosed that these newly established MSMEs have generated an investment of Rs 6,712 crore and have facilitated the creation of 2.1 lakh jobs.

Over a span of two years, a total of 2.4 lakh MSMEs have been launched in Kerala, attracting a substantial investment of Rs 15,138.05 crore and contributing to the creation of 5.10 lakh jobs. Notably, out of these, 76,377 MSMEs are led by women entrepreneurs.

To extend support to budding entrepreneurs, the government has appointed trained professionals in local bodies across the State. Additionally, MSME clinics have been organised to address various issues faced by entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, a monthly helpdesk, operated by a chartered accountants’ organisation, has been established to assist entrepreneurs in filing GST returns. As part of the support scheme, a special initiative offering loans up to Rs 10 lakh at a reduced interest rate of 4 per cent has also been launched.

Minister Rajeeve highlighted that the comprehensive support system has safeguarded approximately 15 per cent of MSMEs that would have otherwise faced closure.

Furthermore, the districts of Ernakulum, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram, Thrissur, and Palakkad have witnessed the launch of over 20,000 MSMEs, contributing significantly to the state's economic growth and employment generation.

(KNN Bureau)