Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Jitan Ram Manjhi on Thursday reviewed the implementation of flagship MSME schemes in Puducherry and urged banks to improve access to institutional credit for micro, small and medium enterprises to accelerate the sector’s growth.
During his two-day visit to the Union Territory on July 8-9, the minister chaired a review meeting attended by officials from the Ministry of MSME, the Puducherry government, the Development and Facilitation Office, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Coir Board, National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), SIDBI, members of the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), MSME associations and other stakeholders.
The meeting reviewed the implementation of key Central schemes, including the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), PM Vishwakarma, Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), MSME Competitive (LEAN), MSME Sustainable (ZED), Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP), Procurement and Marketing Support (PMS), Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Scheme and CHAMPIONS.
Discussions focused on improving awareness of these initiatives and increasing their adoption among MSMEs in the Union Territory.
Manjhi directed stakeholders to ensure better access for MSMEs to technology, credit and finance, skill development, market opportunities and quality support infrastructure.
He also urged banks to facilitate greater institutional lending to MSMEs and called for effective implementation of government initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector.
During the visit, the minister inspected the MSME Technology Centre in Puducherry, where he reviewed its training and production facilities and interacted with trainees enrolled in technology-driven skill development programmes.
Emphasising the importance of equipping young people with modern technical skills, Manjhi said technology centres play a key role in creating a skilled workforce, strengthening the manufacturing ecosystem and advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
On July 9, the minister also visited the MSME Testing Station, where he reviewed testing facilities, quality assurance systems and technical support services available for enterprises.
He appreciated the station’s contribution towards quality certification, technical assistance and capacity building, and stressed the need to create greater awareness about its facilities to ensure wider utilisation by MSMEs across Puducherry.
The visit, the ministry said, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to strengthening the MSME ecosystem in Puducherry through improved access to finance, advanced technology, skill development, quality infrastructure and institutional support.
