Shillong, Oct 27:  The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), an implementing agency for the Central sector scheme, National SC-ST Hub (HSSH) will hold a conclave in Shillong on Monday.

The HSSH state conclave will enlighten entrepreneurs about schemes under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise and deliberate upon steps to be taken to fulfil the Public Procurement Policy mandate for SC/ST entrepreneurs.

It also aimed at coalescing efforts taken by all stakeholders towards creating a supportive ecosystem for inclusive growth of SC/ST entrepreneurs.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Industries Minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar will be the chief quest and guest of honour, while Governor, Tathagata Roy will attend the valedictory programme as chief guest.

Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal, the national president of Forum of SC and ST Legislators and Parliamentarians told reporters that the NSSH scheme under the MSME was launched by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, with an aim to create a supportive ecosystem for SC/ST entrepreneurs by assisting them in capacity building and thereby enable them to effectively participate in public procurement process. The scheme is linked to the Public Procurement Policy, 2012 of the Central government.

“The public procurement policy 2012 of the Centre states that 20 per cent of the total procurement of goods and services by Central ministries, departments and CPSEs shall be made from MSEs and 20 per cent of such procurement from MSEs shall be made from SC and ST-owned MSEs,” Atwal said.

In Meghalaya, over 1300 entreprenuers have registered themselves with the government and avail various benefits.