National SC-ST Hub: Powering Inclusive Entrepreneurship

Key Highlights:

• The National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) was launched on October 18, 2016, to foster inclusive entrepreneurship among SC/ST communities.
• Implemented by the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), it addresses barriers in finance, technology, training, and market access.
• By July 31, 2026, NSSH had assisted 1,90,414 beneficiaries and trained 54,499 candidates.
• Procurement from SC/ST-owned Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSEs) increased from ₹99.37 crore in 2015-16 to ₹4,013.42 crore in 2025-26.
• Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Assam are the five leading states under NSSH.

Detailed Insights:

• NSSH aims to enable SC/ST enterprises to build capabilities and access wider market opportunities, especially in public procurement.
• The Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (SCLCSS) provides a 25% capital subsidy, capped at ₹25 lakh, for investment in plant, machinery, and equipment.
• The Single Point Registration Scheme (SPRS) allows MSEs to register with NSIC for benefits like free tender sets and exemption from Earnest Money Deposit (EMD).
• The Public Procurement Policy mandates Central Ministries, Departments, and CPSEs to procure 25% of annual purchases from MSEs, with 4% earmarked for SC/ST-owned MSEs.
• The Special Marketing Assistance Scheme (SMAS) helps SC/ST enterprises improve product visibility and competitiveness through participation in exhibitions and trade fairs.
• Reimbursement schemes cover bank loan processing fees, bank guarantee charges, product testing fees, Export Promotion Council (EPC) membership, and membership fees for government-promoted e-commerce portals like GeM.
• The Business Accelerator Programme (BAP) provides structured mentorship and industry insights to improve business strategy, operational efficiency, and market positioning.
• Training programs, aligned with public procurement and GeM opportunities, were conducted across 27 states, including 24 Aspirational Districts, with 55% women participants in 2025-26.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National SC-ST Hub (NSSH): A scheme promoting entrepreneurship among Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities through various support mechanisms.
• National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC): A Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of MSME, responsible for implementing the NSSH scheme.
• Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): Enterprises categorized based on investment in plant & machinery or equipment and annual turnover.
• Public Procurement Policy: A government policy mandating a percentage of annual purchases from MSMEs, including a sub-target for SC/ST-owned MSMEs.
• GeM (Government e-Marketplace): An online platform facilitating procurement of goods and services by government organizations.