The Micro, Medium and Small Enterprises sector has seen a flurry of initiatives launched by the Government of India over the last year. Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Kalraj Mishra speaks to M Rajendran on the success of these measures so far and his vision for the New Year...
What were the challenges before you when you took over this Ministry?
The simplification of procedures for setting of MSMEs, Encouragement for setting up of MSMEs, remedial measures of sickness in MSMEs, Make in India Mission of the Government etc., were all challenges we had to address.
How have they been resolved?
Our government took various initiatives in this regard. Some of these are a most simplified One Page Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum since 15th September 2015 (More than 22 Lakh already registered). Schemes were revamped, simplified, made online and MSME friendly, National Awards were given for 2013 and 2014.
A rehabilitation notification for the revival of sick industries was notified. Several other initiatives taken include the launch of ZED, National SC/ST Hub, fast implementation of setting of new technology Centre with World Bank Loan assistance of $200 million to establish 15 technology centres, NMCP, ASPIRE, SFURTI, Finance Facilitation Centres by NSIC. The government has also approved the formation of a new cadre—IEDS (Indian Enterprises Development Service) in the Office of DC(MSME).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for Skill India is aimed to benefit MSME. As a Minister of MSME, how have you carried it forward?
We have been implementing Technology Centre System Programme Scheme through which 15 new Technology Centres would be set up across the country with World Bank's assistance of $200 Million in addition to 18 existing Tool Rooms/Technology Development Centres. We have also taken a cluster approach to impress MSMEs in —MSME-CDP, ASPIRE, NMCP Schemes etc.
Do you wish to seek special funds for MSME in the budget 2017?
We have been in contact with the ministry of finance and have been pursuing vigorously to seek the required budget for MSMEs.
How has your ministry ensured that the tier 2 and 3 towns avail the benefit of various schemes available through MSME?
Implementation of various schemes have been done by the Ministry across the country to ensure their reach to the masses at ground level e.g. PMEGP is implemented through KVIC, state governments have been made partners in MSE-CDP and close interaction with stakeholders under various schemes with periodic monitoring.
Through online mechanism, the communication barriers have been reduced. Aspirants can apply online to avail benefits under various schemes. All schemes have been made available on the website.
There is a shortage of private sector support for MSMEs. What is your view?
Yes, the private sector should come forward in the implementation of various schemes as a partner. They can associate in the schemes like various components of NMCP, Technology Centres and Cluster approach in various schemes such as MSE-CDP, ASPIRE etc.
Shortage of skilled manpower is problem for development of MSME. How do you plan to address it?
Our existing 18 Tool Rooms/ Technology Development centres have been established to meet the partial requirement of advanced technical manpower. Establishment of 15 new Technology Centres is another endeavour in this direction. NiMSNE, Hyderabad, is also catering to meet the need of techno-managerial manpower
What is the big vision of 2017?
To achieve the vision of Honourable PM of Digital India, Skill India, Make in India, Startup India and Stand Up India besides Swacha Bharat and Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas. Effective implementation of various schemes including agro-rural industries, khadi enterprises and MSMEs in an integrated manner.