New Delhi: National SC-ST Hub has helped strengthen inclusive entrepreneurship across India by supporting Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs with financial assistance, market access and public procurement opportunities since its launch in October 2016.
Implemented by the Ministry of MSME, the scheme aims to build the capacity of SC and ST-owned micro and small enterprises. It also seeks to increase their participation in government procurement and support self-reliance through business expansion.
One beneficiary, Shri Balwant Lal Suman from Hazaribagh in Jharkhand, transformed his manufacturing business with support from the scheme. A mechanical engineer and first-generation entrepreneur, he founded Rigtech Infra (OPC) Private Limited to manufacture infrastructure pipes.
In September 2023, he received a ₹25 lakh capital subsidy under the Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme. Consequently, the company upgraded its machinery, improved production quality and enhanced competitiveness. The expansion later helped the firm secure contracts from Rail Vikas Nigam Limited in 2025 and create employment for 16 people.
National SC-ST Hub supports business expansion
Another entrepreneur, Shri Bahadurbhai Panchiyabhai Chaudhari from Surat, established Modufurn Benchcraft LLP in June 2023 to manufacture furniture. With assistance under the scheme, the enterprise improved compliance standards and expanded its access to institutional markets.
The company successfully onboarded the Government e-Marketplace platform and secured orders from the Ministry of Education and the Gujarat Education Department. Later, it received a ₹25 lakh subsidy for machinery upgrades in March 2026, which increased production capacity and improved quality standards.
Similarly, Smt. Devi Gurjar from Jodhpur expanded Ajanta Beverages with support from the scheme. During a key growth phase, she received ₹19.41 lakh under the subsidy programme in May 2020. As a result, the company modernised operations and strengthened production capabilities.
The enterprise later secured supply orders from HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited in December 2025, marking a major milestone in its growth journey.
According to the Ministry of MSME, the scheme supports machinery purchases, training, market linkages, exhibition participation, credit facilitation, Udyam registration and GeM onboarding. Furthermore, procurement from SC and ST-owned enterprises increased from ₹99.37 crore in 2015-16 to ₹3,738.34 crore in 2025-26.
More than 1.79 lakh existing and aspiring entrepreneurs have benefited from the initiative so far, reflecting its growing role in promoting inclusive economic development.
