*Jaipur, July 7:* With the objective of connecting Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs to opportunities in government procurement, entrepreneurship development, and business expansion, the *Entrepreneur Awareness & Special Vendor Development Programme (EA-SVDP)* was organised in Jaipur under the *National SC-ST Hub (NSSH)*, an initiative of the *Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India*.
The programme was inaugurated by *Ms. Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary, Ministry of MSME, Government of India*, as the Chief Guest. Distinguished dignitaries present on the occasion included *Mr. S.S. Acharya, Chairman & Managing Director, NSIC; Mr. Sanjeev Dangi, National Vice President, DICCI; Mr. Devkinandan Godha, President, DICCI Rajasthan Chapter; Mr. Shashi Kiran, Chief Rolling Stock Engineer, North Western Railway; Mr. Umesh Dixit, General Manager, National SC-ST Hub; and Mr. Kuldeep Singh Rajput, State In-charge (Rajasthan & Gujarat), National SC-ST Hub*, along with senior officials from the Central and State Governments, Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), financial institutions, and industry organisations.
Addressing the gathering, *Mr. Devkinandan Godha* said that connecting SC/ST entrepreneurs with government schemes, markets, and large industries is the need of the hour. He stated that such programmes play a crucial role in providing entrepreneurs with updated knowledge, new business opportunities, and greater access to the government procurement ecosystem. He also encouraged youth, women entrepreneurs, and startups to take full advantage of government initiatives and contribute towards building an *Atmanirbhar Bharat*.
The inaugural session commenced with a welcome address by *Mr. Umesh Dixit, General Manager, National SC-ST Hub*. This was followed by a comprehensive presentation by *Mr. Kuldeep Singh Rajput*, who elaborated on the various schemes under the National SC-ST Hub, government support mechanisms, and business opportunities available for SC/ST entrepreneurs.
Technical sessions were conducted by experts representing the *Department of Industries, Government of Rajasthan; Government e-Marketplace (GeM); Indian Railways; HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL); Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL); Food Corporation of India (FCI); Rajasthan Electronics & Instruments Limited (REIL); CIPET; State Bank of India (SBI); and YES Bank*.
The sessions covered key topics including the *National SC-ST Hub Scheme, MSME and State Government Schemes, Public Procurement Policy, Vendor Registration with CPSEs, GeM Registration, e-Tendering, Quality Standards, Bank Credit and Financial Assistance, Entrepreneurship Development, and Open House Interaction*. Experts also addressed participants' queries and guided them through the procedures for availing benefits under various government schemes.
A dedicated *Facilitation Help Desk* was also established at the venue to provide on-the-spot assistance for *Udyam Registration, GeM Registration, Vendor Registration, and e-Tendering*, offering entrepreneurs registration support and technical guidance.
The programme witnessed participation from *more than 280 SC/ST entrepreneurs, MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, startups, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and aspiring entrepreneurs* from Jaipur and neighbouring districts. Participants received detailed guidance from experts on government procurement, financial assistance, market access, and business expansion opportunities.
Sharing information about the programme, *Mr. Kuldeep Singh Rajput, State In-charge (Rajasthan & Gujarat), National SC-ST Hub*, and *Mr. Devkinandan Godha, President, DICCI Rajasthan Chapter*, stated that the primary objective of the programme was to connect SC/ST entrepreneurs with Central and State Government schemes, the public procurement ecosystem, and emerging business opportunities. They added that such initiatives enhance entrepreneurial capabilities while providing a direct platform for interaction with government departments, Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), financial institutions, and industry experts. This enables entrepreneurs to expand their businesses, increase their participation in government procurement, and make meaningful contributions towards the vision of an *Atmanirbhar Bharat*.