Centre and Bihar Govt Launch ₹171 Crore MSME Technology Hub in Sikandarpur

Spread over 15 acres, the newly inaugurated Technology Centre in Bihta represents one of the most advanced MSME infrastructure investments in the region.

In a major push to strengthen India's micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) ecosystem and accelerate inclusive industrial growth in eastern India, Union Minister for MSME Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi and Bihar Chief Minister Shri Samrat Choudhary today jointly inaugurated a state-of-the-art MSME Technology Centre in Sikandarpur, Bihta (Patna) along with four Extension Centres across Muzaffarpur, Rohtas, Darbhanga and Munger.

The landmark initiative, backed by an investment of ₹171 crore, is set to transform Bihar into an emerging hub for advanced manufacturing, skill development, and grassroots entrepreneurship—particularly benefiting youth, artisans, and SC/ST entrepreneurs.

A Strategic Leap for Bihar's Industrial Future

Spread over 15 acres, the newly inaugurated Technology Centre in Bihta represents one of the most advanced MSME infrastructure investments in the region. Equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as:

• CNC machining systems

• Additive manufacturing (3D printing)

• Electrical discharge machining (EDM)

• Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs)

• Vacuum heat treatment facilities

• High-capacity hydraulic and mechanical presses

the centre is designed to bridge the critical gap between traditional manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies.

Officials estimate that the facility will train over 1 lakh youth in the coming years, equipping them with industry-relevant skills in areas such as tool and die making, CAD/CAM, CNC manufacturing, advanced welding, and industrial automation.

Extension Centres to Drive Grassroots Skill Revolution

Complementing the flagship centre, four newly launched Extension Centres will collectively:

• Train over 5,500 youth annually

• Support approximately 1,500 MSMEs each year

• Offer both short-term and long-term training programs

These centres will focus on high-growth, future-ready domains including:AI and IoT, 3D printing, quality control, SolidWorks, CNC machining, and advanced fabrication techniques.

This distributed model is expected to significantly improve regional accessibility to skilling infrastructure, particularly in semi-urban and rural districts.

Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Targeted Schemes

During the event, the Union Minister and Chief Minister also inaugurated an Entrepreneur Awareness and Special Vendor Development Programme under the National SC/ST Hub Scheme, aimed at boosting participation of marginalized communities in public procurement and formal supply chains.

The leaders interacted with entrepreneurs and artisans participating in an exhibition featuring beneficiaries of key flagship schemes such as:

• PM Vishwakarma Scheme (supporting traditional artisans)

• Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)

• National SC/ST Hub

Toolkits, financial assistance cheques, and recognition certificates were distributed to beneficiaries, underscoring the government's focus on last-mile delivery and inclusive growth.

350 Nationwide Programmes to Strengthen SC/ST Enterprises

As part of a broader national initiative, the Ministry of MSME announced plans to conduct 350 Entrepreneur Awareness and Vendor Development Programmes across India, specifically aimed at:

• Increasing awareness about the National SC/ST Hub Scheme

• Enabling SC/ST MSMEs to access government procurement opportunities

• Strengthening supply chain inclusion and market access

Leadership Perspectives: Driving Growth Through MSMEs

Union MSME Minister Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi emphasized that the new infrastructure will play a pivotal role in Bihar's economic transformation. He highlighted that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the MSME Ministry is delivering integrated support spanning finance, infrastructure, skilling, and market linkages through schemes like PMEGP, PM Vishwakarma, KVIC, and Coir Board initiatives.

Bihar Chief Minister Shri Samrat Choudhary described the Technology Centre as a "game-changer" for the state, noting that it will provide youth with industry-aligned training and hands-on exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies, while also offering technological support to MSMEs striving to scale and compete.

He reiterated Bihar's commitment to fostering a robust MSME ecosystem, adding that the state government will extend full support to ensure these centres become engines of employment and innovation.

Building a Future-Ready MSME Ecosystem

Dr. Rajneesh, Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner, MSME, presented a comprehensive overview of the Ministry's schemes and highlighted how Technology Centres are emerging as innovation hubs that integrate skilling, consultancy, and enterprise support.

With MSMEs contributing nearly 30% to India's GDP and over 45% to exports, the expansion of such infrastructure is expected to:

• Enhance productivity and competitiveness

• Promote technology adoption among small businesses

• Generate large-scale employment opportunities

• Strengthen India's manufacturing base

A Vision for Inclusive Industrial Growth

The inauguration marks a critical step toward aligning Bihar's industrial landscape with national priorities such as Make in India, Skill India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

By combining advanced technology infrastructure with targeted social inclusion schemes, the initiative aims to create a holistic ecosystem where innovation, entrepreneurship, and equity converge.

As Bihar positions itself as a rising industrial and skills hub, the newly launched MSME centres are expected to play a central role in unlocking the state's demographic dividend and integrating its enterprises into national and global value chains.