Odisha Bags Centre’s 1st Prize For Promotion Of MSME Sector In Country

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has topped among all states and Union territories in the country in promotion of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector.

The state has been awarded first prize by the MSME Ministry for its steps to encourage the sector to contribute to its economy. Bihar has bagged second prize, while Haryana stands third, according to an announcement of awards in different sectors by the ministry.

Odisha’s Kalahandi district has been awarded third prize in the category of aspirational districts which have contributed to the promotion of the MSME sector. While Virudhunagar in Tamil Nadu has come second, Karauli in Rajasthan stood second.

In his reaction to the award, Odisha MSME minister Pratap Deb said it is a recognition of the state’s efforts for growth of the MSME sector that generates maximum employment after agriculture. “As the sector contributes significantly to value addition, employment generation, overall growth of state’s economy, the government has always given top priority for its promotion and development, especially in backward regions,” Times of India quoted Deb as saying.

It may be noted that in the wake of COVID pandemic, which had crippled the MSMEs, the state had announced a financial package of Rs 290 crore for the sector to tide over the crisis in December 2020. The government had also waived their dues at the time.