If Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) is known as engine of economic growth in Madhya Pradesh then P Narhari, Principal Secretary, Department of MSME, can be seen as an efficient driver to bring State’s industrial sector on the path of equitable development with his progressive vision and game changer’s image. He has pioneered several projects and schemes to give impetus to the socio-economic scenario of respective regions.

‘The Hitavada’ spoke to MSME Principal Secretary, P Narhari exclusively over the issues of new policies, business ecosystem of the State and initiatives to promote existing and new players of the industry.

Q. 1. State is inviting industry tycoons and business leaders to invest. How and what MSME department is going to push existing units in the State?

A. Aligning with Government of India’s directions, MSME has framed and made provisions to various schemes and policies to make the State self-reliant whether it is a manufacturing sector or service or start-ups enterprises. To promote conducive atmosphere and employment opportunities in MP, focus is also being led on rural entrepreneurship. Management of venture capital funds has been assigned to the enterprises also. The existing units department is facilitating access to credit, technology and local as well as global markets for MSMEs. It also develops clusters to provide common minimum facilities to MSMEs. Through self-employment schemes it encourages youth to establish their enterprise at their home town/village.

Q. 2. The State Government has launched ‘MP Start-up Policy and Implementation Scheme 2022’. Throw some light on this.

A. Department of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Madhya Pradesh Government, is the nodal agency for implementing the start-up policy. We have come up with a new dedicated policy for start-ups. The State Government will support them whether it is financial or non-financial. They can be facilitated by having relaxation under the rules of store and procurement rules of the State.

Moreover, they can also be given the opportunity to use facilities of the Government e.g. office space and meeting arrangements etc. The department has identified focus areas imperative for growth of a holistic start-up ecosystem with special focus on product-based start-ups. Institutional support including ease of doing business, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, marketing support, financial and non-financial assistance. Entrepreneurship development courses will be included in the curriculum in secondary, higher secondary and higher educational institutions.

Q. 3. There are talks about start-ups projects that couldn’t run in the long term. Past experience suggests. Some of them have to give up for want of support?

A. First of all, we need to understand who can be categorised as a start-up officially and how they can benefit from the Government’s schemes. ‘Start-up means an entity which is recognised by the Start-up India under the Government of India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade, and is established and registered in the State of Madhya Pradesh. Basically, an entity holding a valid The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recognition number and certificate.

Q.4. Where does MP stand? How many registered so far with the DPIIT?

A. There are 2,500 start-ups in Madhya Pradesh So far as per the registration data.

Q.5. Next month, State is set to organise the Global Investors Summit (GIS) in Indore on January 11-12.

The annual event, which did not take place last year due to COVID-19, How MSME is prepared for the event.

A. This investors summit will prove to be useful in providing an integrated platform to the global and local industries to co-operate in economic development of the State. On the second of GIS, there will be a plenary session for MSMEs.

Q. 6. What will be the New Year’s bonanza for MSMEs in the State?

A. Recently, deals were signed with 10 outfits working in various sectors e.g. The Global Indus Enterprises, Small Industries Development Bank of India like organisations, in Indore, to offer training in marketing, and financial support to MSMEs.

The State Government is supporting start-ups through backward and forward linkages. Work on creating clusters in almost all the districts spread across the State will be in full swing in four-five months. Government is going to set up Project Management Units (PMU) in the State, which will work in close co-ordination with the State Government and local banks to identify projects beneficial for MSMEs and would assist with financing, policy, scheme-level formulations and recommendations.