Itanagar, Feb 23 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, emphasized the vital importance of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in propelling India’s economic advancement. He remarked that since 2014, a series of policy reforms have been initiated under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance to bolster the nation’s economy.

As part of the MSME policies, there has been a significant focus on empowering Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes through the establishment of the National SC-ST Hub in 2016, the Chief Minister stated.

During the inauguration of the National Level Mega Awareness Program organized by the National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC) in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh government, Khandu referenced national statistics, highlighting that the MSME sector currently supports more than 7 crore enterprises nationwide, benefiting over 31 crore individuals.

However, he stressed the need for increased momentum in the Northeast, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh.

The primary goal of the Awareness Program is to ensure that SC and ST entrepreneurs effectively access various Government of India schemes and take an active role in the nation's economic development.

Khandu underlined the necessity for awareness and discipline among the youth, encouraging them to study government policies and budgets to maximize the benefits of available schemes.

He urged attendees to participate actively in the technical sessions and to follow up on the shared information, stating that mere attendance without action would make such programs ineffective.

Discussing central government initiatives, Khandu revealed that 25% of total government procurement is mandated from MSMEs, with 4% reserved for SC/ST entrepreneurs and 3% specifically for women entrepreneurs.

He described this as a progressive policy that creates significant opportunities for inclusive growth.

Expressing his satisfaction with the robust participation of women at the event, he underscored the state government's constant focus on women empowerment through the Self Help Group (SHG) movement.

Currently, over 1.5 lakh women in Arunachal Pradesh are actively involved in SHGs, which contribute to the strengthening of rural economies. The Chief Minister also virtually inaugurated the Entrepreneurship Development Institute at Jote, aimed at providing structured training, mentoring, and capacity-building support to startups and MSMEs in the state.

In reference to the Union Budget 2026, Khandu laid out a three-pronged strategy to reinforce MSMEs: equity support, risk capital access, and liquidity enhancement. He mentioned the allocation of Rs 10,000 crore in growth fund support for SMEs, Rs 2,000 crore under the Self-Reliant India Fund for micro enterprises, and over Rs 7 lakh crore in liquidity support for the MSME sector.

Moreover, he noted that professional institutions like ICAI, ICSI, and ICMAI will be supported to develop short-term modular courses aimed at enhancing the corporate and financial capabilities of MSMEs, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III towns.

On the state level, Khandu highlighted the Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Programme launched in 2020, along with the Arunachal Pradesh Innovation & Investment Park, which offers mentoring in partnership with premier institutions such as IIMs and seed funding for startups.

He proudly noted that Arunachal Pradesh was recently acknowledged as one of the best-performing states in the Startup India ecosystem.

At present, nearly 300 startups are successfully operating in the state. He also mentioned significant state schemes like the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Swavalamban Yojana and the Chief Minister’s Tourism Development Scheme, which have stimulated entrepreneurship across various sectors.

Under the Arunachal Pradesh Industrial Investment Policy 2025, the state is offering numerous incentives to attract investors, including power subsidies at Rs 2 per unit, 100% exemption on stamp duty and registration fees, 50% capital investment subsidy in government industrial areas, as well as interest subsidies, GST reimbursement, transport and air freight subsidies, and export incentives.

Khandu encouraged the youth to shift their focus from traditional government job preferences to becoming job creators instead of merely job seekers.

“Government jobs are limited, but entrepreneurship offers limitless opportunities,” he stated, emphasizing that dedication, discipline, and focus are essential for success.

He further pointed out Arunachal Pradesh’s vast potential in hydropower, mining, agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture. He noted that the state is home to over 600 varieties of orchids, encouraging entrepreneurs to delve into floriculture and lessen the country’s reliance on orchid imports.

The Chief Minister also highlighted emerging export opportunities resulting from recent trade agreements between India and major global partners, asserting that MSMEs and startups from Arunachal can leverage these to gain expanded market access through digital and online platforms.

To ensure broader outreach, Khandu proposed organizing similar awareness camps in the eastern, central, and western regions of Arunachal Pradesh, aiming to guarantee that youth from remote districts benefit equally from central initiatives.

Welcoming delegates from New Delhi and participants from across the state, the Chief Minister expressed his pleasure at the overwhelming presence of young entrepreneurs and aspirants at the convention center.

He commended them for their recognition of the significance of the awareness program and their voluntary participation.

The program’s objective is to promote awareness about the National SC–ST Hub and various central support mechanisms available for entrepreneurship development.

The event was co-chaired by Industries Minister Nyato Dukam and Youth Affairs & Sports Minister Kento Jini. Also present were Joint Secretary at the Ministry of MSME, Mercy Epao; CMD of NSIC, Dr. Shekhar Acharya; Secretary of Industries, Saugata Biswas; Khadi Board Chairman Maling Gambo; Itanagar Mayor Likha NarieTadar; senior officials from both the Government of India and the State Government; representatives from financial institutions; along with a large number of aspiring entrepreneurs.