The Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi visited Puducherry on 8–9 July 2026 to review implementation of flagship schemes of Ministry of MSME and directs the stakeholders to facilitate MSME access to technology, credit and finance, skill development, market access and quality support infrastructure.
During the visit, he chaired a comprehensive review meeting attended by officials of the Ministry, Government of Puducherry, Development & Facilitation Office, Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Coir Board, National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), SIDBI, members of the State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC), MSME associations and other stakeholders.
The review included presentations by both the Government of Puducherry, Directorate of Industries and the Ministry of MSME on the MSME ecosystem in the Union Territory and the progress achieved under flagship schemes such as 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 were focused on improving awareness and greater uptake of these schemes.
The Minister urged banks to facilitate greater access to institutional credit for MSMEs and called upon all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of Government initiatives for the growth of the sector. On 8 July 2026, he visited the MSME Technology Centre, Puducherry and reviewed the Centre's training and production facilities.
The Minister interacted with trainees undergoing technology-driven skill development programmes and inspected products manufactured using advanced machinery. He emphasised that equipping youth with modern technology-driven skills and making them self-reliant and employment-ready is a key priority of the Ministry.
He noted that MSME Technology Centres are playing a vital role in developing a skilled workforce, strengthening the manufacturing ecosystem and supporting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat. The Minister also visited MSME Testing Station on 9 July 2026, where he reviewed the testing facilities, quality assurance systems and technical support services available for MSME.
He appreciated the Station's contribution towards quality certification, technical assistance and capacity building and stressed the need for greater awareness and optimum utilisation of its facilities by MSME across the Union Territory.
The visit reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to strengthening MSME ecosystem in Puducherry through improved access to finance, advanced technology, skill development, quality infrastructure and enhanced institutional support.