The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) organised a National SC-ST Hub Mega Awareness Programme in Itanagar on February 23, 2026, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities in Arunachal Pradesh. The initiative reflects the Centre’s broader push for inclusive growth, market access and capacity building in the MSME sector.
What Was the Focus of the Programme?
Held at D.K. Conventional Hall, Itanagar, the event sought to disseminate information about the National SC-ST Hub Scheme and various other MSME-related initiatives of the Government of India. Entrepreneurs were also facilitated with on-the-spot Udyam Registration, enabling formal recognition and access to benefits under MSME policies.
The programme was attended by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, along with state ministers and senior officials from the Centre and State governments.
Understanding the National SC-ST Hub Scheme
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The National SC-ST Hub Scheme was launched to integrate SC and ST entrepreneurs into the mainstream MSME ecosystem. It focuses on:
- Capacity building and skill development.
- Financial assistance and credit facilitation.
- Market linkage and vendor development.
- Support in public procurement processes.
A key policy backing this initiative is the Public Procurement Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises, which mandates that 4% of public procurement be sourced from SC-ST owned MSEs and 3% from women-owned MSEs.
MSMEs in India’s Economic Landscape
The MSME sector plays a pivotal role in India’s economy. According to official data shared at the event:
- MSMEs are the second-largest employer after agriculture.
- They contribute over 30% to India’s GDP.
- They account for around 35% of manufacturing output.
- They contribute approximately 46% of exports.
With more than 7.8 lakh enterprises registered on the Udyam Portal, the sector represents a vital pillar of employment generation, regional development and export competitiveness.
Launch of Entrepreneurship Development Institute at Jote
A major highlight was the inauguration of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) at Jote, established with assistance from the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
The EDI is envisioned as a capacity-building centre to promote skill development and entrepreneurship among youth in Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring states. It aims to provide structured training, mentoring and enterprise support, particularly in a region where industrial penetration has historically remained limited.
Financial Institutions and Market Linkages
The programme facilitated interaction between entrepreneurs and key institutions such as:
- Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
- State Bank of India (SBI)
- Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL)
- TRIFED
- Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
- NSTFDC
These institutions informed participants about credit facilities, vendor empanelment processes, marketing support and financial inclusion mechanisms.
Inclusive Growth and the North-East Context
For Arunachal Pradesh — a geographically remote and infrastructure-constrained state — MSME development is closely linked to employment generation, local value addition and tribal entrepreneurship.
The outreach aligns with the broader vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047,” focusing on:
- Regional equity and balanced development.
- Formalisation of small enterprises.
- Integration of tribal entrepreneurs into national value chains.
- Promotion of self-reliance and economic resilience.
What to Note for Prelims?
- National SC-ST Hub Scheme — objectives and implementing ministry.
- Public Procurement Policy: 4% for SC-ST MSEs; 3% for women MSEs.
- Role of SIDBI and NSTFDC in MSME financing.
- Udyam Registration portal for MSMEs.
What to Note for Mains?
- Role of MSMEs in inclusive growth and employment generation.
- Challenges of entrepreneurship development in the North-East.
- Public procurement as a tool for social justice and economic empowerment.
- Institutional mechanisms for integrating tribal entrepreneurs into formal markets.