New Delhi: On August 15, 2025, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises took a meaningful step to honor and empower entrepreneurs from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) by inviting beneficiaries of the National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) scheme—along with their spouses—as ‘Special Guests’ at the 79th Independence Day ceremony at Red Fort, New Delhi. Union MSME Minister Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi and Minister of State Sushri Shobha Karandlaje hosted a celebratory lunch for these guests, recognizing the pivotal role of SC/ST entrepreneurs in India’s development.
Highlights of the Event
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Special Guests Welcomed: SC/ST entrepreneurs from across India—including rural, urban, North-Eastern States, and Union Territories—were specially invited to witness the landmark Independence Day event.
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Facilitation and Lunch: The event included a welcome by MSME Secretary Shri S.C.L. Das and Joint Secretary Ms. Mercy Epao. The ministers personally interacted with the guests during a lunch at Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi’s residence, building an atmosphere of appreciation and inclusion.
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Sharing Success Stories: Several Special Guests shared their entrepreneurial journeys and expressed gratitude to the government for this recognition, underscoring the tangible impact of government schemes on their businesses and communities.
Ministerial Addresses: Commitment to Viksit Bharat
Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi
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Expressed delight at hosting SC/ST entrepreneurs on Independence Day, highlighting the government’s focus on nurturing entrepreneurship at the grassroots.
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Recalled that the NSSH scheme, launched in October 2016 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, aims to create a robust ecosystem supporting SC/ST entrepreneurs and fulfilling the Public Procurement Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs).
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Emphasized that the MSME sector is crucial in the drive to build a Viksit Bharat (developed India), stressing the government’s continued initiatives to empower MSMEs, especially from marginalized communities.
Sushri Shobha Karandlaje
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Welcomed the guests and motivated them to contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
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Reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the growth and innovation of the MSME sector through diverse policy initiatives and schemes.
The Significance of the National SC-ST Hub
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The hub provides SC/ST entrepreneurs with access to finance, technology, skill development, and mentorship, and supports their participation in public procurement.
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It aims to build a comprehensive ecosystem for inclusive entrepreneurial growth, aligning with the government’s broader vision of economic empowerment for marginalized groups.
Conclusion
The facilitation of National SC-ST Hub beneficiaries at Independence Day 2025 not only honored individual success stories but also spotlighted India’s commitment to inclusive development. Through its continued support and recognition of MSME and SC/ST entrepreneurs, the Ministry of MSME is helping to lay the foundation for a truly self-reliant and developed Bharat—by 2047 and beyond.
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Source: PIB
