Empowering SC/ST MSMEs: National SC-ST Hub’s Entrepreneur Awareness & Special Vendor Development Programme Witnesses Strong Participation in Chandrapur
Chandrapur, June 25, 2026: The Entrepreneur Awareness & Special Vendor Development Programme (EA&SVDP) was successfully organized by the National SC-ST Hub (NSSH), Ministry of MSME, Government of India, in collaboration with the Buddhist Entrepreneurs Association of Commerce and Industry (BEACI) at Chandrapur. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from nearly 110 aspiring and existing entrepreneurs, with a focus on empowering SC/ST-owned Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) through government procurement opportunities and institutional support mechanisms.

Welcoming the participants, Shri Ratnadeep Kamble, Founder Chairman, BEACI, encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to venture into business and take advantage of the numerous opportunities offered through government initiatives. He emphasized the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship, and collective efforts in building sustainable and successful enterprises.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Ritesh Rangari, In-Charge, National SC-ST Hub, Pune, highlighted the key initiatives of the National SC-ST Hub and elaborated on the Government of India’s 4% Public Procurement Policy, which mandates Central Ministries, Departments, and Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to procure at least 4% of their annual purchases from SC/ST-owned Micro and Small Enterprises. He urged entrepreneurs to obtain Udyam Registration, register on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, and actively participate in public procurement opportunities.

Ms. Parineeta Pandhram, Deputy Director, MSME-DFO, Nagpur, provided valuable insights into various MSME development schemes and support mechanisms available for entrepreneurs.

Representatives from major public sector organizations also shared procurement opportunities for MSMEs. Mr. S. T. Uke from Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and Mr. Rajendra Patel from Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) explained their procurement processes, vendor registration procedures, and business opportunities available to SC/ST entrepreneurs and MSME suppliers.

A technical session conducted by Shri Ankush Makde, GeM Facilitator, guided participants on GeM registration, catalogue management, and effective participation in government tenders. Shri Rohit Nandanwar, Branch Manager, Central Bank of India, discussed various MSME financing options and credit facilities available to entrepreneurs. CA Bhupendra Kochar delivered an informative session on financial literacy, taxation, and statutory compliance. Additionally, Mr. Karmate, representative of the District Industries Centre (DIC), Chandrapur, briefed participants on important State Government schemes and incentives for MSMEs.

The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants received guidance on government procurement, business financing, registration processes, and enterprise development.

The event was successfully coordinated through the dedicated efforts of BE Dhammadeep Ramteke, BE Sameer Ramteke, Shri Sumit Meshram, BE Pravin Walke, and the entire BEACI team, whose commitment and support contributed significantly to the success of the programme.

The programme reaffirmed the commitment of the National SC-ST Hub and its stakeholders towards promoting inclusive entrepreneurship, enhancing market access, and strengthening the participation of SC/ST entrepreneurs in the national economy.

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