Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are urged to take advantage of the raw material schemes provided by the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) to benefit from price discounts, according to P. Ravi Kumar, Chief General Manager, NSIC. Speaking at the inauguration of the three-day Raw Mat 2024 and 3P exhibitions in Coimbatore, Kumar highlighted the high uptake of raw materials in cities like Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Jaipur, but noted a lack of response from MSMEs in Coimbatore.

Kumar emphasised that the NSIC's zonal heads are authorised to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with raw material manufacturers to ensure MSMEs receive materials at reduced prices. The NSIC is also exploring collaborations with the Commodity Exchange to enhance benefits for MSMEs and is sourcing tools from MSMEs for the PM Vishwakarma scheme kits distributed to artisans.

The NSIC currently manages over seven major raw materials and is working to expand its sourcing through regional MoUs. The Raw Mat 2024 and 3P exhibitions, organised by the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (Codissia), featured approximately 100 exhibitors.

(The Hindu)