National SC-ST Hub Scheme Drives New Growth for Marginalised Entrepreneurs

The National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) Scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is helping Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs expand their businesses, access government procurement opportunities and strengthen their role in India's growing economy.

Launched in October 2016, the scheme focuses on building the capacity of SC/ST-owned micro and small enterprises while enabling their participation in public procurement. Through financial assistance, market access support, skill development and technology upgrades, the initiative is creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs across sectors.

The impact of the programme can be seen through the experiences of entrepreneurs who have successfully transformed their businesses with support from the scheme.

Technology Upgrades Help Businesses Enter Government Supply Chains

One such example is Shri Balwant Lal Suman from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. A mechanical engineer with more than 15 years of industry experience, he established Rigtech Infra (OPC) Private Limited to manufacture infrastructure-grade pipes.

Through the National SC-ST Hub, he received support under the Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (SCLCSS), obtaining a capital subsidy of ₹25 lakh in September 2023 for advanced manufacturing equipment.

The machinery upgrade improved production efficiency, enhanced product quality and strengthened the company's competitiveness. These improvements helped the enterprise qualify for government procurement opportunities. In 2025, the company secured contracts from Rail Vikas Nigam Limited for the supply of fencing panels, uprights, gates and anti-climbing devices.

The business has since expanded its market presence, generated employment for 16 people and recorded substantial growth in annual turnover.

A similar success story comes from Surat, Gujarat, where Shri Bahadurbhai Panchiyabhai Chaudhari established Modufurn Benchcraft LLP in June 2023. The company manufactures furniture designed for institutional and government use.

Support from the NSSH Scheme enabled the firm to improve compliance standards and operational efficiency. The company successfully onboarded the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform and secured supply orders from the Ministry of Education and the Gujarat Education Department. It later received ₹25 lakh under the SCLCSS in March 2026 for machinery modernisation, helping increase production capacity and support future growth.

Women Entrepreneurs Also Benefit From Expansion Support

The scheme has also helped women entrepreneurs scale their businesses. Smt. Devi Gurjar from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, operates Ajanta Beverages, a manufacturer of beverages and packaged drinking water.

During a critical expansion phase, she received ₹19.41 lakh under the Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme in May 2020. The financial support enabled the modernisation of production facilities and strengthened the company's manufacturing capabilities.

With improved infrastructure and quality standards, the enterprise entered larger commercial markets and public procurement networks. A major milestone came in December 2025 when the company secured supply orders from HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL).

The broader impact of the National SC-ST Hub has been significant. Public procurement from SC/ST-owned micro and small enterprises has increased nearly 37 times, rising from ₹99.37 crore in 2015-16 to ₹3,738.34 crore in 2025-26. The share of procurement has also grown from 0.07% to 1.59% during the same period.

To date, more than 1.79 lakh existing and aspiring SC/ST entrepreneurs have benefited from various components of the scheme. Through support for machinery purchases, capacity building, market linkages, credit facilitation, Udyam registration and GeM onboarding, the programme continues to promote inclusive entrepreneurship and strengthen India's MSME ecosystem.