Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) will send teams of officials to 117 Aspirational Districts identified by NITI  Aayog to spread awareness about existing schemes of the Ministry, stated MSME minister Giriraj Singh, on Monday.

Giriraj Singh informed the Parliament that teams will be sent to 117 most backward and naxalite affected districts to spread awareness about schemes available for the MSME sector and to obtain proposals to set up and strengthen micro and small enterprises.

The Minister also informed that MSMEs are significantly present in all States and UTs and they are the second largest employer after agriculture in the country.

These enterprises have supported inclusive growth and development across the country thereby reducing the regional imbalances, he added.

Replying to another query, Giriraj Singh said that the schemes of the Ministry are central sector schemes in which specific percentage of the budgetary allocation are earmarked for SC, ST and North Eastern Region’s population.

Most of these schemes are demand driven and expenditure is made in the specific States as per the proposals received, he said adding that over 40 lakh persons gained employment under the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme from 2015-16 to 30th June 2018.

Besides, Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme, PMEGP is estimated to have generated employment for over 12.29 lakh people during the same period, he added.

The Ministry of MSME has 18 Technology Centres which impart training to help in generating employment. It has been decided to set up 15 new technology centres in various parts of the country, the minister stated.