National SC/ST Hub

• Context (PIB): The MoMSME recently gave information on the Scheme in the Lok Sabha.

• It is a central sector scheme of Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME).
• Applicability: Existing and Aspiring SC/ST Entrepreneurs.
• The scheme aims at providing professional support to SCs and STs entrepreneurs to fulfil the obligations under the Central Government Public Procurement Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises Order 2012, adopt applicable business practices and leverage the Stand-Up India initiative.
• Key action areas: Vendor development, participation in public procurement, building reliable database, mentoring and handholding support, policy advocacy with states, credit facilitation, capacity building, private affirmative action, technology upgradation, marketing support, and special subsidies under various schemes.

Benefits

• Achieve 4% Public Procurement target from SC-ST entrepreneurs.
• Facilitating SC/ST entrepreneurs to be part of vendor development programs and mentoring support.
• Collection, collation and dissemination of information regarding SC/ST enterprises and entrepreneurs.
• Distribution of trade specific tool kits to trained candidates.