About National SC-ST Hub Scheme:
- It was launched in October 2016.
- It is one of the flagship schemes of the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises.
- It is aimed at capacity enhancement of Schedule Caste – Schedule Tribe entrepreneurs and promoting “entrepreneurship culture” amongst the SC-ST population.
- Implementation: It is implemented by the National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC).
- The NSSH scheme supports purchase of plant & machinery/equipment; capacity building & training, market linkage, facilitation for participation in exhibitions, credit, Udyam registration and GeM onboarding.
- One of the major components of NSSH is the Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (SCLCSS).
- Under the scheme, new and existing SC/ST-owned MSEs can receive a 25 per cent capital subsidy, capped at ₹25 lakh, for investment in plant, machinery and equipment financed through institutional credit.
- Functions of the scheme:
- To encourage SC/ST owned units to be part of 4% of total procurement being made by Central/State Governments, CPSEs and other government agencies
- To prepare strategy for intervention through industry associations to sensitize, encourage and enable the SC/ST owned units for participation in Public Procurement Process
- Facilitating SC/ST Entrepreneurs to be part of vendor development programs and mentoring support by specific CPSE matching the products/services of such entrepreneurs
- Capacity building of existing and prospective SC/ST entrepreneurs through skill development programs
- Significance: These initiatives are fostering inclusive economic growth, promoting self-reliance and strengthening the MSME ecosystem by creating greater opportunities across India.
