In a push to promote and empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Odisha, the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, organised the PM Vishwakarma – National SC-ST Hub Conclave in Baripada, Mayurbhanj district, on April 16. The event was held at the Convention Hall of Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University and witnessed the active participation of key stakeholders, government officials, artisans, entrepreneurs, and beneficiaries of flagship government schemes.
The Conclave was co-chaired by Union Minister of MSME Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi and Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, marking a rare convergence of central and state leadership to promote entrepreneurship among SC-ST communities and traditional artisans.
The event commenced with the inauguration of an exhibition showcasing products and success stories under various MSME initiatives, followed by the ceremonial ribbon-cutting and lamp-lighting by dignitaries.
Several prominent leaders graced the occasion, including Shri Gokulananda Mallick, Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSME, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, Odisha; Shri Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries & MSME Department; Shri Prakash Soren, MLA, Baripada; Ms. Mamata Mohanta, Rajya Sabha MP, Mayurbhanj; Shri Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, Minister of State (IC) for Forest, Environment & Climate Change; Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister of Housing and Urban Development; and Shri Naba Charan Majhi, Lok Sabha MP, Mayurbhanj. Senior officials from the Ministry of MSME and other departments also attended.
Dr. Ishita Ganguli Tripathy, ADC, DC(MSME), opened the session with a welcome address, which was followed by a detailed presentation by Dr. Rajneesh, AS & DC, DC(MSME), highlighting the impact of Ministry schemes and the rapid growth of MSMEs in Odisha.
A key feature of the Conclave was the sharing of experiences by beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma, Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), and the National SC-ST Hub. These firsthand accounts showcased how the schemes are transforming lives by providing skill development, financial support, and market access.
To recognise and encourage their journey, e-certificates were distributed to PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries, alongside credit cheques to entrepreneurs. Similar certificates were awarded to beneficiaries under the National SC-ST Hub and PMEGP, affirming the government’s commitment to inclusive growth.
In his address, Union MSME Minister Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi emphasised the sector’s pivotal role in India’s economic and social fabric. “The MSME sector is the backbone of India’s economy, contributing nearly 30 per cent to the GDP and employing over 26.7 crore people,” he noted.
He praised the transformative potential of the PM Vishwakarma and National SC-ST Hub schemes, along with the work of the Coir Board and Khadi institutions, in empowering traditional workers and entrepreneurs. “I express my sincere thanks to Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu. Her guidance brought me to Odisha, her homeland, to promote MSMEs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions India becoming a developed nation, and by 2027-28, we are set to become the world’s third-largest economy,” he added.
Calling the Ministry of MSME a “Ministry of Vision,” Shri Manjhi said, “I am 200 per cent sure of the Ministry’s impact. This is the greatest department, helping every entrepreneur realise their dream. Odisha is doing very well, and every MSME is now registered on the Udyam Portal. Our efforts will continue to support Odisha in aligning with PM Modi’s vision of a developed Bharat.”
Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi lauded the Centre’s efforts and underlined the positive changes witnessed in the state due to these schemes. “PM Vishwakarma is playing a key role in uplifting the middle class and improving the quality of life for artisans and craftsmen. I thank the Ministry of MSME for giving special focus to Odisha and organising this Conclave here in Baripada,” he said.
Launched on September 17, 2023, PM Vishwakarma aims to support traditional artisans and craftspeople through skill upgradation, financial assistance, and distribution of modern toolkits. On the other hand, the National SC-ST Hub, launched in October 2016, is designed to facilitate SC/ST entrepreneurs with access to capacity building, market linkages, and credit support.
With over 6.25 crore MSMEs operating across the country, the sector plays an indispensable role in India’s growth story. Events like this Conclave not only boost grassroots entrepreneurship but also bridge gaps in inclusion and opportunity, especially for marginalised communities.
By bringing such flagship initiatives directly to the doorstep of communities in Odisha, the Ministry of MSME is not just promoting economic empowerment but also reinforcing the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat—a self-reliant India.
