Union Minister of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, Kalraj Mishra, today inaugurated the Regional a conclave here today for the massive promotion of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region consisting of Punjab, Haryana, Uttarkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi & Chandigarh. The Chief Minister of Haryana, Mr. Mahohar Lal Khattar and Industry & Commerce Minister, Punjab Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, besides senior officers from all the concerned States were also participated on the occasion.In his inaugural address Mr. Kalraj Mishra highlighted the role of existing and upcoming Technology Centres/ Tool Rooms infrastructure for the skill training and technical support to MSMEs. The Union Minister mentioned that an amount of about Rs. 700-800 crore would be spent for establishing new technology centres. Two such Tool Rooms are already functioning in Ludhiana & Jalandhar, while 15 more Technology Centres would be set up with the assistance of World Bank including four in Baddi (H.P.), Rohtak (Haryana), Sitarganj (Uttarakhand) and Ghatti (J&K).
Mr. Kalraj Mishra said that it was the need of the hour to bring awareness about the MSME schemes amongst the masses. He highlighted the simplified online registration system of Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum and the over-whelming response that the Ministry was getting on the same. More than 2.41 lakh UAMs have been registered so far. He also congratulated the officers of the Ministry for their successful Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum initiative.
The Minister further mentioned about the Framework for Revival & Rehabilitation of MSMEs notified by the Ministry. The importance of Public Procurement Policy Order 2012 being implemented by the Ministry was highlighted. A review committee under Secretary, MSME, monitors the implementation of the policy. Other initiatives of the Government like Start-up India and relaxation from prior turnover/prior experience criteria for procurement was mentioned.
The importance and popularity of the Credit Guarantee Scheme & Credit Linked Capital Subsidy scheme were highlighted. He mentioned that the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) provides margin money subsidy for setting up of micro enterprises for employment generation. Estimated employment generated through assisted projects under this scheme during 2014-15 were Haryana (7024); H.P. (6352); Jammu & Kashmir (11025); Punjab (6438); Uttarkhand (7889); Chandigarh (160); and Delhi (1584). For the country as a whole, more than 3.57 lakh job creation took place under PMEGP in 2014-15.The new schemes like SFURTI and ASPIRE have been launched. Under SFURTI, 67 DSR proposals have been approved; 22 Livelihood Business Incubators two Technology Business Incubators have been approved under ASPIRE. He requested the State Governments to send proposals under the ASPIRE / SFURTI schemes. He also urged the State Governments to ensure implementation of public procurement policy and proper functioning of MSE Facilitation Councils for delayed payments.
While addressing Regional Conclave Industry & Commerce Minister, Government of Punjab, Mr. Madan Mohamn Mittal mentioned the need for strengthening the District Industries Centres through various means. He further mentioned the Punjab government has ensured more than 72% procurement from their public sector units.He said Punjab has a natural pool of MSMEs, in the Light Engineering, Knitwear &Clothing and Sports Goods sectors.The Statehas about 1.60 lac MSMEs as on 31.03.2015 with Fixed Capital Investment of Rs. 14,000 Cr, employing about 11 lac persons and Industrial output of Rs. 84,000 Cr. Exports from the State wereRs. 27,235 Cr (for all Industry) in 2014-15. The SME sector is the backbone of the Punjab industry and accounts for 60% of the total output and 80% of the total employment in industry in the State.He raised certain issue related to MSME Industries Associations of Punjab, which pertains to GOI. He demanded Incentives at par with the incentives given by Himachal Pradesh under Central Economic Package, be also given to Punjab Industry especially near the border Districts. Central Excise Limit for MSME be raised from existing 1.5 cr to a minimum of 10 cr., Central excise duty on complete bicyclesmay be abolished., Increase the import duty on both bicycle and parts which are not being manufactured in India to 50% to prevent dumping., GST should be implemented.
Expedite the progress of Direct rail line from Batala to Beas (via Qadian)., Over bridge be constructed at railway crossing in Morinda for smooth movement of industrial goods., TUF Scheme for Bicycle industry be introduced to compete with global manufacturers., Air Connectivity to New Delhi and other Metros be provided from all airports in Punjab.Create or upgrade the existing tool rooms, which can offer common services and help in prototype development and reverse engineering. On the occasion, the Chief Minister Haryana also expressed his view point about the major programmes launched by the Prime Minister like Skill India, Digital India, Start-up India. Subsequently, the Union Minister of MSME also met several CPSUs of the region and discussed various issues on implementation of Public Procurement Policy Order, 2012 for Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs). He urged them to fulfill the target of 20% of annual procurement from MSEs and 4% from SC/ST entrepreneurs.