Union MSME Minister Reviews Scheme Implementation in Puducherry
Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, conducted a two-day visit to Puducherry on July 8-9, 2026, to review the implementation of flagship schemes of the Ministry. The visit included comprehensive review meetings and site inspections aimed at strengthening the MSME ecosystem in the Union Territory.
During the review meeting, the Minister chaired discussions attended by officials from the Ministry, Government of Puducherry, Development & Facilitation Office, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Coir Board, National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), SIDBI, members of the State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC), MSME associations, and other stakeholders. The review focused on presentations from both the Puducherry Directorate of Industries and the Ministry of MSME regarding the MSME ecosystem and progress under various schemes.
The schemes reviewed included Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), PM Vishwakarma, Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), MSME Competitive (LEAN), MSME Sustainable (ZED), Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP), Procurement and Marketing Support (PMS), Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Scheme, and CHAMPIONS. Discussions centered on improving awareness and increasing uptake of these schemes among MSMEs.
Minister Manjhi specifically urged banks to facilitate greater access to institutional credit for MSMEs and called upon all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of government initiatives for sector growth. The Minister emphasized the importance of technology access, credit and finance, skill development, market access, and quality support infrastructure for MSMEs.
Site Visits and Infrastructure Review
On July 8, 2026, the Minister visited the MSME Technology Centre in Puducherry, where he reviewed training and production facilities. He interacted with trainees undergoing technology-driven skill development programs and inspected products manufactured using advanced machinery. The Minister emphasized that equipping youth with modern technology-driven skills and making them self-reliant and employment-ready is a key priority of the Ministry. He noted that MSME Technology Centres play a vital role in developing a skilled workforce, strengthening the manufacturing ecosystem, and supporting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
On July 9, 2026, the Minister visited the MSME Testing Station, where he reviewed testing facilities, quality assurance systems, and technical support services available for MSMEs. He appreciated the Station's contribution towards quality certification, technical assistance, and capacity building, while stressing the need for greater awareness and optimum utilization of its facilities by MSMEs across the Union Territory.
The visit reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to strengthening the MSME ecosystem in Puducherry through improved access to finance, advanced technology, skill development, quality infrastructure, and enhanced institutional support.