Itanagar, Feb 23: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday underscored the pivotal role of the MSME sector in India’s economic growth, stating that since 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several transformative policy interventions have been undertaken to strengthen the country’s economy, with special focus on uplifting Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes through initiatives such as the National SC-ST Hub launched in 2016.
Inaugurating the National Level Mega Awareness Programme organised by National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) under the Ministry of MSME, Govt of India, in coordination with the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, Khandu noted that the MSME sector supports over 7 crore enterprises across the country and provides livelihoods to more than 31 crore people. However, he stressed the need to accelerate momentum in the Northeast, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh.
The awareness programme aims to ensure that SC and ST entrepreneurs fully benefit from various Government of India schemes and actively participate in the nation’s economic progress.
Emphasising awareness and discipline among youth, the Chief Minister urged participants to study government policies and budgets carefully to maximise available opportunities. He encouraged active engagement in technical sessions and meaningful follow-up, remarking that mere attendance without action would render such programmes ineffective.
Highlighting key central initiatives, Khandu informed that 25 per cent of total government procurement is mandated from MSMEs, with 4 per cent reserved for SC/ST entrepreneurs and 3 per cent for women entrepreneurs. He described the policy as a progressive step towards inclusive growth.
Expressing satisfaction over the strong participation of women, he noted that over 1.5 lakh women in Arunachal Pradesh are engaged in Self Help Groups (SHGs), strengthening rural economies and driving grassroots entrepreneurship.
The Chief Minister also virtually inaugurated the Entrepreneurship Development Institute at Jote, which will provide structured training, mentoring, and capacity-building support to startups and MSMEs in the state.
Referring to the Union Budget 2026, Khandu outlined a three-pronged strategy to strengthen MSMEs through equity support, risk capital access, and liquidity enhancement. He highlighted provisions including a Rs 10,000 crore growth fund for SMEs, Rs 2,000 crore under the Self-Reliant India Fund for micro enterprises, and over Rs 7 lakh crore liquidity support for the MSME sector. He further noted that institutions such as ICAI, ICSI, and ICMAI would design short-term modular courses to strengthen corporate and financial capabilities of MSMEs, especially in Tier-II and Tier-III towns.
On state initiatives, Khandu highlighted the Arunachal Pradesh Entrepreneurship Development Programme launched in 2020 and the Arunachal Pradesh Innovation & Investment Park, which provides mentoring support in collaboration with premier institutions such as IIMs and seed funding to startups. He noted with pride that Arunachal Pradesh has been recognised among the best-performing states in the Startup India ecosystem, with nearly 300 startups currently operating in the state.
He also referred to flagship schemes such as the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Swavalamban Yojana and the Chief Minister’s Tourism Development Scheme, which have boosted entrepreneurship across sectors.
Under the Arunachal Pradesh Industrial Investment Policy 2025, he said, the state offers incentives including a power subsidy of Rs 2 per unit, 100 per cent exemption on stamp duty and registration fees, 50 per cent capital investment subsidy in government industrial areas, interest subsidies, GST reimbursement, transport and air freight subsidies, and export incentives.
Encouraging youth to move beyond the conventional preference for government jobs, Khandu urged them to become job creators rather than job seekers. “Government jobs are limited, but opportunities in entrepreneurship are limitless,” he said, stressing that dedication, discipline, and focus are essential for success.
He also highlighted the state’s vast potential in hydropower, mining, agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture, noting that Arunachal Pradesh is home to over 600 varieties of orchids. He encouraged entrepreneurs to explore floriculture and reduce India’s dependence on orchid imports.
Pointing to emerging export opportunities following recent trade agreements, the Chief Minister said MSMEs and startups from Arunachal could benefit from expanded market access through digital platforms.
To ensure wider outreach, Khandu proposed organising similar awareness programmes in eastern, central, and western regions of the state so that youth from remote districts can equally benefit from central initiatives.
The event was co-chaired by Industries Minister Nyato Dukam and Youth Affairs & Sports Minister Kento Jini. Also present were Joint Secretary, Ministry of MSME, Mercy Epao; CMD, NSIC, Dr Shekhar Acharya; Secretary (Industries) Saugata Biswas; Khadi Board Chairman Maling Gambo; Itanagar Mayor Likha Nari Tadar; senior officials from the Centre and the State Government; representatives of financial institutions; and a large number of aspiring entrepreneurs.
The programme concluded with a technical session where experts from MSME, NSIC, and financial institutions interacted with entrepreneurs and startup aspirants, providing detailed insights into available schemes and support mechanisms.