New Delhi: The National SC-ST Hub Scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is emerging as a transformative initiative for empowering Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs across India.
Since its launch in October 2016, the scheme has played a significant role in strengthening inclusive entrepreneurship by enabling businesses to access capital support, public procurement opportunities, market linkages, and capacity-building initiatives as the country moves toward its vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Success stories from different parts of the country demonstrate how the National SC-ST Hub Scheme has helped first-generation entrepreneurs overcome financial and operational barriers while expanding their businesses and creating employment opportunities.
From Idea to Winning Public Tender Bids: The Journey of Balwant Lal Suman
One of the most notable examples of the impact of the National SC-ST Hub Scheme is the journey of Balwant Lal Suman, a first-generation entrepreneur from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand.
A Mechanical Engineer with over fifteen years of professional experience, he established Rigtech Infra (OPC) Private Limited with the vision of building a scalable enterprise capable of participating in public procurement.
The company manufactures pipes for infrastructure applications and received crucial support through the Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme under the National SC-ST Hub Scheme. In September 2023, Suman availed a capital subsidy of ₹25 lakh to procure advanced manufacturing equipment.
The machinery upgrade significantly enhanced production capabilities, improved product quality, strengthened competitiveness, and increased the company’s brand value. These improvements enabled the enterprise to integrate into public procurement supply chains successfully.
A major milestone was achieved in 2025 when Rigtech Infra secured tenders from Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. for fencing panels, uprights, gates, and anti-climbing devices.
The company subsequently expanded its market reach, generated employment for 16 people, and recorded substantial growth in annual turnover.
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Expanding Horizons with NSSH Support: Growth Story of Bahadurbhai Panchiyabhai Chaudhari
Another example highlighting the effectiveness of the National SC-ST Hub Scheme is the entrepreneurial journey of Bahadurbhai Panchiyabhai Chaudhari from Surat, Gujarat.
He established Modufurn Benchcraft LLP in June 2023 to manufacture durable and high-quality furniture. Assistance provided under the National SC-ST Hub Scheme helped streamline business operations in line with organized market standards and compliance requirements.
With a focus on serving institutional customers, the enterprise positioned itself to cater to government departments and educational institutions requiring standardized furnishing solutions.
The National SC-ST Hub Scheme also facilitated the company’s onboarding onto the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), enabling it to successfully secure and execute supply orders from the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and the Education Department of the Government of Gujarat.
Further strengthening its growth, the enterprise availed ₹25 lakh under the Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme in March 2026 for machinery modernization.
The intervention enhanced production capacity, improved quality consistency, and enabled scalable operations, positioning the company for long-term participation in public procurement markets.
Breaking Barriers and Building Scale: The Journey of Devi Gurjar
The story of Devi Gurjar from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, further reflects the transformative role of the National SC-ST Hub Scheme in supporting women entrepreneurs.
Operating Ajanta Beverages in the manufacturing of beverages and packaged drinking water, she focused on maintaining quality, safety, and scalability while meeting institutional standards.
During a critical expansion phase, support under the National SC-ST Hub Scheme enabled the enterprise to access ₹19.41 lakh through the Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme in May 2020. The financial assistance facilitated modernization of the manufacturing unit and strengthened its production ecosystem.
With enhanced operational capabilities, Ajanta Beverages successfully entered mainstream markets and public procurement. A significant achievement came in December 2025 when the company secured orders from HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL), reinforcing its ability to execute larger-scale supply commitments.
National SC-ST Hub Scheme Accelerating Inclusive Entrepreneurship
The National SC-ST Hub Scheme has been designed to build the capacity of SC/ST Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) while empowering them to participate in public procurement and contribute toward achieving the mandated 4% procurement target under the Government’s Public Procurement Policy.
The scheme offers support for the purchase of plant and machinery, capacity building and training, market linkages, participation in exhibitions, credit facilitation, Udyam registration, and onboarding onto the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
These interventions are promoting inclusive economic growth, strengthening self-reliance, and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs across the MSME ecosystem.
The impact of the initiative is reflected in public procurement figures from SC/ST-owned MSEs, which have increased 37-fold from ₹99.37 crore (0.07%) in 2015-16 to ₹3,738.34 crore (1.59%) in 2025-26.
To date, more than 1.79 lakh existing and aspiring SC/ST entrepreneurs have benefited from various initiatives under the National SC-ST Hub Scheme, highlighting its growing contribution to inclusive entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development in India.
