Bhubaneswar: The state government Monday said that it would come up with a proposal for revival of sick micro, small & medium enterprises (MSME) projects soon.
Addressing media here, as part of government’s decision to highlight its four years’ achievements and future plans, MSME Minister Prafulla Samal said, “At present the government has no schemes for revival of defunct and sick MSME units. However, our department is planning to take up the matter with the Chief Minister to bring a scheme for their revival.”
The minister said that there are 20,803 defunct or sick MSME units of which only 390 are viable for their revival.
MSME secretary LN Gupta, however, said the state government has taken a lot of measures to provide financial aid to new MSME units.
To provide loan to new entrepreneurs as per government order around 215 bank branches have been transformed into MSME specialised branches where these entrepreneurs can avail loan easily.
We have plans to create 200 more such specialised branches in the coming days.
Loans up to Rs 2 crore without collateral are being provided to entrepreneurs through credit guarantee trust fund, he said.
The minister said 1,97,727 MSME units have been established with an investment of Rs 10,320 crore with employment generation of 5.96 lakh persons in last four years.
Additionally, 3,752 camps have also been organised to motivate 3.23 lakh youths for setting up of MSMEs.
As many as 898 MSMEs have been provided financial assistance of Rs 118.82 crore under various government policies since 2014-15.
Startup Odisha initiative has been taken by launching Startup Odisha Policy and Startup Odisha Portal. While 212 startups are registered under the initiative, 24 have been extended assistance under the policy, the minister said, adding, that digital marketing support and training have also been provided to micro entrepreneurs and SHG members.
Meanwhile, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Minister Snehangini Chhuria said that as many as 50 categories of crafts being practiced by artisans have been identified by the state government. As a result 318 weavers/artisans have been felicitated by the Centre including Padma Awards.
The minister said that policies for Handloom and Apparel introduced by the government have played a successful role in promoting apparel and garment industries in the state.
Insurance premium of the weavers and artisans is being borne by the state government while financial assistance is provided to the weavers over 60 years of age under Baristha Bunakara Sahayata Yojana. In the last four years as many as 5,517 weavers/artisans have been covered under ‘Work-shed-cum-Housing Scheme’, she said.
The minister said that state government has now introduced low cost Sambalpuri sarees in the range of Rs 500 to 1,000 for wider promotion of this product and prevent selling of fake Sambalpur sarees.
Besides, Chhuria said Odisha Crafts Museum has also been set up on 12.68 acres with a project cost of 34.85 crores.
