Government’s Digital Push Empowers MSMEs: 59,000 SC/ST Units Onboarded on GeM

New Delhi | August 21, 2025 – In a major step towards inclusive digital growth, the Government of India has successfully onboarded over 59,000 Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on its flagship Government e-Marketplace (GeM). Along with GeM, several initiatives such as MSME TEAM, PMS, Global Mart, and eKhadiIndia are digitally empowering small businesses, particularly those owned by entrepreneurs from marginalized communities, enabling them to leverage e-commerce and global trade opportunities.

---

Key Initiatives for Digital Empowerment of MSMEs

The government has launched multiple platforms and schemes to integrate MSMEs with the digital economy and global value chains:

• Government e-Marketplace (GeM):
  A digital procurement platform that streamlines government purchasing, offering transparent opportunities for MSMEs.
• MSME TEAM (Trade Enablement and Marketing):
  Helps MSMEs onboard the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform, supporting their transition to e-commerce and digital trade.
• Procurement and Marketing Support (PMS) Scheme:
  Provides financial assistance to MSMEs for selling products via e-commerce channels, reducing entry barriers for small businesses.
• MSME Global Mart:
  A B2B e-commerce platform developed by the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), giving MSMEs access to global trade leads, tenders, and networking opportunities.
• eKhadiIndia:
  An online B2C marketplace by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), offering global reach for khadi and village industries.

---

Special Support for SC/ST Entrepreneurs

Under the National Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Hub (NSSH) scheme, the government provides 80% reimbursement of annual membership or subscription fees (up to ₹25,000) for SC/ST MSMEs on government-promoted e-commerce portals.

This targeted support has led to significant participation:

• 59,390 SC/ST MSMEs onboarded on GeM (as of August 15, 2025)
• 24,970 SC/ST MSMEs registered on MSME Global Mart
• 304 SC/ST MSMEs enrolled on MSME TEAM portal

---

Boosting Market Access and Inclusivity

The digital empowerment initiatives aim to:

• Expand market access for MSMEs, both domestically and globally.
• Encourage entrepreneurship among marginalized communities.
• Support Atmanirbhar Bharat by reducing dependence on intermediaries and boosting direct online trade.
• Strengthen MSME participation in government procurement, which accounts for a substantial share of economic activity.

---

Expert Outlook

Industry experts note that digital platforms are transforming MSMEs into competitive players in global trade. By reducing costs, increasing visibility, and offering access to new markets, these initiatives are enabling SC/ST entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, attract investment, and contribute more meaningfully to India’s GDP growth.

The government’s integrated digital initiatives – GeM, MSME TEAM, PMS, Global Mart, and eKhadiIndia – are not only democratizing e-commerce but also empowering SC/ST entrepreneurs to compete on a level playing field. With nearly 60,000 SC/ST MSMEs already active on GeM and thousands more on Global Mart and MSME TEAM, India is witnessing a digital transformation of its small business sector, ensuring inclusivity in the nation’s economic progress.

(Economy India)