Gadkari launches portal for innovative MSME ideas

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday launched a portal for uploading ideas and innovations regarding the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector. The 'MSME Bank of Ideas, Innovation, and Research' portal were launched via video-conference.

Registered users on the portal can share ideas, innovation, and research, which will be reviewed by the officer concerned and published for public view. The users can rate these ideas for crowdsourcing and venture capitalists can also connect with the users.

Besides, while interacting with members of the Maharashtra Economic Development Council, the minister said initiatives will have to be taken to locally produce all goods that are imported from China. Gadkari also said he believes the global sentiment against China in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis was a "blessing in disguise" for India and presents an excellent opportunity for the country to boost its exports and attract more foreign direct investment.

The minister said recommendations have been sent to the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister for a "package" but did clarify the purpose of the package. He also inaugurated the 'Ayush Entrepreneurship Development Program' via video conference.