The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises organised the National SC?ST Hub mega awareness programme on 23 February 2026 at D.K. Conventional Hall in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh to explain the National SC?ST Hub scheme and other central initiatives for micro, small and medium enterprises. The event aimed to promote entrepreneurship and empower the MSME ecosystem through interactive sessions and Udyam registration. It brought together central and state officials to inform entrepreneurs about financial, skilling and market support.\n\nShri Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, attended as chief guest and underlined the role of MSMEs in driving economic growth and self?reliance. Ministers Nyato Dukam and Kento Jini and officials including Ms Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary, Ministry of MSME, and Dr S.S. Acharya, CMD of NSIC were present. Dr Acharya outlined the public procurement policy that mandates four per cent procurement from SC?ST owned micro and small enterprises and three per cent from women owned enterprises, noting the National SC?ST Hub is fostering inclusive growth.\n\nMs Mercy Epao described financial assistance, infrastructural facilitation, skilling and market linkages available under ministry schemes and stressed that the MSME sector is the second largest employer after agriculture. She said the sector contributes more than 31 per cent to India’s GDP, 35 per cent to manufacturing output and 46 per cent in export and highlighted initiatives such as PM Vishwakarma, PMEGP and MSE?CDP. She noted that more than 340 million (mn) people are employed by more than 0.78 mn MSMEs registered on the Udyam portal and outlined procurement and marketing support measures.\n\nThe chief minister inaugurated the Entrepreneurship Development Institute at Jote, which has been constructed with assistance from Ministry of MSME, and ministers described it as a landmark for capacity building and skill development in the state. The institute is intended to empower youth of Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring states through training and support. The programme provided a platform for entrepreneurs to engage with stakeholders, including CPSEs, SIDBI, State Bank of India, Power Grid, TRIFED and NSTFDC on finance and vendor empanelment.