KHADI & VILLAGE INDUSTRIES COMMISSION

GOVERMENT

Shri K.H. Muniappa, Minister of MSME, Govt. of India adresses MEDIA at sahyadri Guest House, Mumbai

 

 

Shri K.H. Muniyappa, Hon’ble Minister of state (Independent Charge), Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India addressed a Press Conference at Sahayadri Guest House, Malabar Hill, Mumbai on 31.10.2012, after chairing a review meeting of different departments of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises viz., KVIC, NSIC, DCMSME and COIR Board.  Shri Devendra Kumar Desai, Chairman, KVIC, Shri K.C. Kalappa, Member, KVIC, Shri D.C. Pattanayak, Financial Advisor and CEO, Incharge and Ms Neena Singh Pandey, CVO, KVIC  graced the meeting. Officials of  KVIC, NSIC, DCMSME and COIR Board  as well as  various public sector Banks also attended the review meeting and assured full support of the financial institutions for promoting schemes of MSME by providing adequate credit flow.

 

Addressing the Press, Shri Muniyappa informed that he is grateful to respected Madam Sonia Gandhiji, Hon’ble Chairperson, UPA and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan     Singhji for giving an opportunity to shoulder the responsibility of the charge of Union Minister with Independent Charge.  He informed that hailing from a rural area and from freedom fighters family, he is emotionally attached to the surroundings and the welfare of the rural masses.  The MSME sector plays a pivotal role in the overall industrial economy of our country and the sector accounts for 45% of the manufacturing output and 40% of the total exports of the country.  The sector is estimated to employ about 6.00 crores persons through 261 lakh enterprises.

Cluster development approach has also played an important role in enhancing the competitiveness of the MSME sector. The Hon’ble Minister stressed that MSME sector will be given priority and adequate allocation of funds will be taken care of in the 12^th Five Year Plan. The   aim is to atleast double the financial allocation  made during 11^th five year plan for MSME Sector so that higher targets of employment and setting up of micro enterprises can be achieved.

Shri Muniyappa also praised the policies of Govt. of India in bringing economic reforms which have enabled the country to survive the global  economic crisis.   While the advanced countries faced financial crises, Indian Economy remained stable throughout.

Commenting on FDI in retail, the Hon’ble Minister appreciated the initiative of Govt. of India which will bring in investment and easy flow of funds at lower rate of interest. FDI will help in meeting the  international quality and standard of the products. 

Hon’ble Minister recollected the Gandhijis dream of strengthening Village and Cottage Industries and hoped that it will come true and these industries will emerge Stronger.   He further added that the objective of his Ministry will be to eliminate the poverty of the people and support the rural artisans of the country for their socio economic upliftment. Greater coverage of unemployment masses under MSME scheme including PMEGP will be ensured so that maximum number of unemployed persons especially in rural areas are provided the benefit of self employment.

Hon’ble Minister also appealed to the Bankers to educate the people for proper utilization of the loan taken from the Bank to set up their enterprises, since the same is  public money.  Banker should also ensure lending to the priority sector as per the laid down guidelines by the R.B.I. to support the needy persons.  Earlier in the day Shri Muniyappa visited the Khadi Fest Exhibition at KVIC campus and appreciated the variety of products produced by Khadi and Village Industries Institutions and REGP/PMEGP entrepreneurs.