Question : Promotion of MSME

(a) whether the Government has launched a scheme for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof including the funds allocated, the number of incubation centres proposed to be established and number of entrepreneurs benefited under the scheme in the country during each of the last three years, State/ UT-wise;

(c) whether the aims and objectives of the said scheme have been aligned with the Make in India and Skill India programmes; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF
MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
(SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH)


(a) & (b): Yes Madam. The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises has launched a new scheme namely; ASPIRE (A Scheme for Promoting Innovation, Rural Industry and Entrepreneurship) on 16.3.2015 to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in agro-industry through rural Livelihood Business Incubation (LBI), Technology Business Incubation (TBI) and Fund of Funds of Rs.60 crore for start-up creation in the agro-based industry. Under ASPIRE, a total of 80 Livelihood Business Incubation (LBI) centres and 30 (10 new & 20 existing) Technology Business Incubation (TBI) centres will be supported and setup. An amount of Rs.5.00 crore has been released to NSIC for setting up of 5 LBIs at Deoria (Uttar Pradesh), Kashipur (Uttarakhand), Naini (Allahabad-Uttar Pradesh), Chennai (Tamil Nadu) and Rajkot (Gujarat) during FY 2014-15. As on 30.04.2016, 22 LBIs stand approved and a sum of Rs.9.29 crore has been released. ASPIRE Fund of Funds of Rs.60 crore is being operationalized by SIDBI. 2 TBIs have also been approved and funds of Rs. 0.30 crore has been released.


(c) & (d): The aims and objectives of the scheme are very much aligned with the Make in India and Skill India programmes. The Technology Business Incubators (TBI) proposed to be set up would facilitate use of proven technologies already available with technology research and development centres of universities, colleges and institutions and make it commercially viable through prototyping, market testing leading ultimately to manufacturing in the country. The Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs) focus on hands on training with machines. The principles laid down by the National Skill Qualification Framework are being followed through the centres imparting different skill based training.