Public sector industries must prioritise MSMEs when purchasing raw materials: Shobha Karandlaje
Bengaluru, Aug 30: Union Minister of State for MSMEs Shobha Karandlaje on Friday emphasised that public sector industries must prioritise MSMEs when purchasing spare parts and raw materials.
“A memorandum to that effect will be submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” said Karandlaje.
The minister inaugurated a two-day conclave on MSME, organised by the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FKCCI) at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru.
Karandlaje said small, micro, and medium sector industries play a vital role in the industrial development of the country. “These MSMEs create jobs for our youth. The Centre has evolved many schemes to encourage MSMEs,” she added.
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She also highlighted that there has been an increased allocation for MSMEs in the Union budget, emphasising that MSMEs are playing a vital role in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a "Vikasit Bharat."
According to Karandlaje, there is a need to improve the skill development of youth in MSMEs to better align with the needs of the industry.
“We are taking steps in that direction. MSMEs are contributing significantly to GDP growth. About five lakh applications are received every year to start new MSMEs. We are currently able to provide subsidies to only 90,000 applicants. We have submitted a proposal to the finance minister to enhance this subsidy component," the MSME Minister explained.
Revealing that large PSUs are importing many raw materials from other countries, Karandlaje said her ministry will appeal to the Prime Minister to direct these PSUs to prioritise purchasing raw materials from MSMEs.
FKCCI President Ramesh Chandra Lahoti, in his speech, stated that the two-day conclave will create a platform for young entrepreneurs to obtain information about starting MSMEs.
“MSMEs form the foundation of our industrial development. The Centre and states have introduced many schemes for the benefit of young entrepreneurs,” he added.
According to him, the MSME Conclave-2024 is an important platform to ensure the growth and sustainability of the MSME sector in the state. Industry leaders, policymakers, and financial institutions have joined forces to provide all the necessary information about starting MSMEs.
“Our aim is to create a conducive environment for starting MSMEs with all the necessary financial and infrastructural support,” the FKCCI President explained.
FKCCI President-Elect M G Balakrishna, Senior Vice-President Uma Reddy, FKCCI Industry Committee President Aravinda Burji, Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association President M G Rajagopal, and Peenya Industries Association President Shivakumar were also present on the occasion.
Inaugurated and participated in the MSME Conclave organized by the Karnataka Corporation of Commerce and Industry at Palace Grounds, Bengaluru. This event is a key platform for empowering and connecting with Karnataka's MSMEs, driving growth and collaboration. @minmsme pic.twitter.com/pJDjxIaCXK
— Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) August 30, 2024
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Sanjay Raut demands re-election, alleges irregularities in EVMs during Maharashtra polls
Mumbai, Nov 25: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday demanded a re-election in Maharashtra using ballot papers, claiming there were irregularities with the electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Talking to reporters, Raut alleged several complaints about EVMs malfunctioning and questioned the integrity of the recently held elections.
The BJP-led Mahayuti won 230 out of 288 seats in the assembly elections, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi managed 46 seats, with Shiv Sena (UBT) winning just 20 out of 95 seats it contested.
"We have received nearly 450 complaints regarding EVMs. Despite raising objections repeatedly, no action has been taken on these issues. How can we say these elections were conducted fairly? Hence, I demand that the results be set aside and elections be held again using ballot papers," Raut said.
Citing some instances, he said a candidate in Nashik reportedly received only four votes despite having 65 votes from his family, while in Dombivli, discrepancies were found in EVM tallies, and election officials refused to acknowledge the objections.
The Sena (UBT) leader also questioned the credibility of the landslide victories of some candidates, saying, "What revolutionary work have they done to receive more than 1.5 lakh votes? Even leaders who recently switched parties have become MLAs. This raises suspicions. For the first time, a senior leader like Sharad Pawar has expressed doubts about EVMs, which cannot be ignored."
Asked about the MVA's poor performance in the elections, Raut rejected the idea of blaming a single individual.
"We fought as a united MVA. Even a leader like Sharad Pawar, who commands immense respect in Maharashtra, faced defeat. This shows that we need to analyse the reasons behind the failure. One of the reasons is EVM irregularities and the misuse of the system, unconstitutional practices, and even judicial decisions left unresolved by Justice Chandrachud," he said.
Raut stressed that though internal differences might have existed within the MVA, the failure was collective.
He also accused the Mahayuti of conducting the elections in an unfair manner.
"I cannot call the elections fair given the numerous reports of discrepancies in EVMs, mismatched numbers, and vote irregularities across the state," Raut said.
