A three-day Vendor Development Programme and Technology Show was inaugurated at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre on Thursday.
K.H. Muniyappa, Union Minister of State for MSME (Independent Charge), said that the State is lagging behind in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector and that it could improve its performance if bureaucrats from Karnataka could form stronger ties with their counterparts at the Centre.
The Minister also expressed concern over the role of the State government and investors in the implementation of the projects set in motion by the Ministry. He remarked, “The State must follow the example set by Tamil Nadu and work with the Centre for good results as far as MSMEs are concerned. It must not only provide land to the entrepreneurs but also infrastructure. The investors must remember that the Indian MSME sector has the potential but only it lacks encouragement.”
M.N. Vidya Shankar, Principal Secretary, Department of Industries and Commerce, said, “There are 4.34 lakh MSMEs registered in the State providing 25.24 lakh jobs. They contribute to 40 per cent of the State’s GDP.”
He added, “Events such as these aid MSMEs to step up manufacturing. They also facilitate innovation and help increase MSMEs’ contribution to the market.”
The event, spearheaded by the Peenya Industries Association (PIA), was presided over by Prakash Babanna Hukkeri, Minister for Small Scale Industries, Muzrai and Sugar.
He echoed Mr. Muniyappa’s views saying, “The State government will extend support to the MSMEs and look into the problems they face regarding taxation, electricity and water supply.”
