On the occasion of National MSME Day, the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, organized an awareness programme titled "You Too Can Start a Business" at KSR College of Engineering to encourage aspiring entrepreneurs and recognize the vital role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India's economic growth.
The programme was presided over by Smt. Shakuntala, General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC), Namakkal. Dr. Lakshmi, Director of Innovation and Incubation, KSR College of Engineering, and Dr. Bhargavi, Head of the Department of Management Studies, welcomed the gathering and felicitated the chief guest.
Delivering the special address, Dr. S. Jaisankar, Project Officer, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, highlighted the significant contribution of MSMEs to the Indian economy. He observed that many people tend to associate industries only with the public sector and large corporate companies, overlooking the crucial role played by MSMEs.
He pointed out that MSMEs contribute nearly 30% to India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), account for 40% of the country's exports, and provide employment through approximately 7.40 crore enterprises, making them the backbone of the Indian economy.
Speaking on employment opportunities, Dr. Jaisankar noted that India produces nearly 1.10 crore graduates every year, including around 7 lakh graduates from Tamil Nadu, while employment opportunities do not increase at the same pace. He urged students to move beyond the mindset of seeking jobs and instead become entrepreneurs by launching innovative start-ups that generate employment for others.
He further stated that a large number of students who have completed the entrepreneurship and management programmes offered by EDII have successfully established start-ups and are creating employment opportunities across various sectors.
Dr. Jaisankar also said that the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India plans to train more than 2,000 women entrepreneurs in rural and urban areas of Tamil Nadu during the current year under the Micro Skillpreneurship Development Programme, implemented through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, Smt. Shakuntala, General Manager, District Industries Centre, Namakkal, explained the various government schemes available for aspiring entrepreneurs. She said that the District Industries Centre facilitates credit linkage for eligible entrepreneurs and recommends financial assistance with capital subsidies ranging from 25% to 35% under different government schemes for both rural and urban beneficiaries. The programme motivated students and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore self-employment opportunities and highlighted the support available through government initiatives and entrepreneurship development programmes.