Koraput, 18th July 2025,: An awareness program was held at the auditorium of Koraput Medical College regarding the establishment of an SC-ST Hub under the MSME Department. Union Minister of State for MSME Shobha Karandlaje attended the event and announced that a roadmap has been prepared to transform youth in six backward districts into entrepreneurs and job creators through MSME initiatives.
She highlighted that institutions like HAL and NALCO are located in Koraput. These industries require machine parts and components, for which earlier one had to go to Bhubaneswar for training. However, a Tool Training Centre will now be established in Koraput itself to serve six districts.
In view of today’s needs, training and enterprise development are essential. Over the next four years, the MSME sector will be advanced by setting up:
Tool Training Centres
Food Processing Labs
Food Testing Labs
Tool Testing Labs
The Minister emphasized that necessary training will be provided based on the specific requirements of the region. These will be supported under the RAMP Scheme. Across the country, 6.57 crore MSMEs have been registered, generating employment for 28 crore people. The MSME sector contributes 30% to the country’s GDP and 45 Percent to exports. There’s a government mandate to procure 25 Percentof goods from MSMEs across departments. The Minister also stated that the industries created under this scheme will be of international standards.
Odisha’s Minister of Skill Development and Industries, Sampad Chandra Swain, remarked that there is significant potential for entrepreneurship through MSMEs in Koraput district. So far, 10.85 lakh MSMEs have been registered in the state. He called upon youth to become employers rather than seeking employment.
In the financial year 2025–26, India is expected to see ₹3.25 lakh crore in private investments, with Odisha accounting for 40% of that. MP Balaram Maji noted that even aircraft engines are now being manufactured, and MSMEs can supply essential components to HAL and similar industries.
The program was attended by:
Fisheries and Animal Resources Minister Gokulananda Mallik
Kandhamal MP Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi
Five MLAs from Koraput and Nabarangpur districts
Additional Chief Secretary of the MSME Department, Hemant Sharma
NBIRM Director Dr. Ajit Kumar Sasanayak
Joint Secretary of the Union MSME Ministry, Mercy Epao
Collectors of four districts
Entrepreneurs and aspiring youth from six districts
Some leading entrepreneurs were also felicitated during the event.
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