The National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) Scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is emerging as a powerful catalyst for inclusive entrepreneurship in India. Since its launch in October 2016, the scheme has been supporting Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs through financial assistance, capacity building, market access, and public procurement opportunities, contributing significantly to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The scheme has transformed the business landscape for thousands of entrepreneurs by helping them establish, expand, and modernize their enterprises. Through targeted interventions, NSSH is enabling SC/ST-owned Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) to become competitive participants in government procurement and mainstream markets.
One of the notable success stories is that of Shri Balwant Lal Suman from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. A mechanical engineer with over 15 years of professional experience, Suman established Rigtech Infra (OPC) Private Limited with the ambition of building a manufacturing enterprise capable of serving large-scale infrastructure projects.
Under the NSSH Scheme, he received support through the Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (SCLCSS), availing a capital subsidy of ₹25 lakh in September 2023 for upgrading manufacturing equipment. The modernization of machinery enhanced production efficiency, improved product quality, and strengthened the company’s competitiveness. These improvements enabled the enterprise to secure major procurement opportunities, including contracts from Rail Vikas Nigam Limited in 2025 for the supply of fencing panels, gates, uprights, and anti-climbing devices. The business has since expanded its operations, generated employment for 16 individuals, and recorded substantial growth in annual turnover.
Another inspiring example comes from Surat, Gujarat, where entrepreneur Shri Bahadurbhai Panchiyabhai Chaudhari founded Modufurn Benchcraft LLP in June 2023. The enterprise specializes in manufacturing durable and high-quality furniture for institutional and government use.
Through NSSH support, the company streamlined its operations and strengthened compliance standards, enabling it to meet the requirements of organized and public sector markets. A key milestone was achieved when the firm successfully onboarded the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform and secured supply orders from the Ministry of Education and the Gujarat Education Department. To further expand production capabilities, the enterprise received ₹25 lakh under the SCLCSS in March 2026 for machinery modernization. The support enhanced production capacity, improved quality consistency, and positioned the company for long-term growth in public procurement markets.
The scheme has also played a significant role in empowering women entrepreneurs. Smt. Devi Gurjar from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, who operates Ajanta Beverages, has successfully expanded her packaged drinking water and beverage manufacturing business with NSSH assistance.
During a crucial phase of expansion, the enterprise received financial support of ₹19.41 lakh under the SCLCSS in May 2020. The funding facilitated modernization and strengthened production infrastructure, helping the company improve operational efficiency and meet institutional quality standards. As a result, the enterprise gained access to larger markets and secured a major supply order from HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL) in December 2025, marking a significant achievement in its growth journey.
The National SC-ST Hub Scheme aims to strengthen the capabilities of SC/ST-owned MSEs and enhance their participation in public procurement, in line with the government’s target of ensuring at least 4 percent procurement from such enterprises.
The scheme offers a wide range of support measures, including assistance for purchasing plant and machinery, skill development and training, market linkage, participation in trade exhibitions, access to credit, Udyam Registration, and onboarding onto the GeM platform.
These initiatives have yielded measurable results. Public procurement from SC/ST-owned MSEs has increased dramatically from ₹99.37 crore in 2015-16, representing 0.07 percent of total procurement, to ₹3,738.34 crore in 2025-26, accounting for 1.59 percent. The procurement value has thus grown nearly 37-fold over the decade.
To date, more than 1.79 lakh existing and aspiring SC/ST entrepreneurs have benefited from various components of the NSSH Scheme. By fostering entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities, and facilitating access to government markets, the initiative continues to strengthen India’s MSME ecosystem while promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
