According to the Center’s announcements in several categories, Odisha has been chosen as the finest state for its excellent contribution to the growth and development of the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector.
Odisha won first place in the category of prizes granted to states and union territories for the development of the MSME sector, according to a formal announcement released by the MSME ministry. Haryana placed third, with Bihar taking second. When it came to the promotion and growth of the MSME sector, Kalahandi came in third place among aspirational districts, behind Virudhunagar in Tamil Nadu and Karauli in Rajasthan, which won first and second place, respectively.
State MSME Minister Pratap Deb stated that because the sector makes a substantial contribution to value addition, employment creation, and overall state economic growth, the government has consistently prioritised its promotion and development, particularly in underdeveloped areas. The prize, according to him, is an acknowledgment of the state’s efforts to expand the MSME sector, which, after agriculture, creates the most jobs.
The state had in December 2020 provided a financial package of Rs 290 crore to tide over the problem as the MSME sector had suffered the brunt of Covid. The state has also made sure that MSMEs’ production and logistics were not impeded by the epidemic with a comprehensive procurement strategy that demands the purchase of specific products from MSMEs. Numerous state government departments also settled the outstanding debts of various MSMEs in a priority manner.
Prasanta Patnaik