AnyTime News 
Pooja Srivastava | Anytime News Network
. Strengthening access to institutional finance for SC/ST entrepreneurs emerged as a key focus at the 79th Meeting of the Empowered Committee on MSME, held on August 13, 2026, at the RBI Board Room in Lucknow.
Representatives from the Reserve Bank of India, NABARD, SIDBI, the MSME Department and various industry associations participated in the meeting. DICCI was represented by Deo Mani Saroj and Nitu Ji, who actively raised important issues related to financial access and effective implementation of government schemes for SC/ST entrepreneurs.
The meeting reviewed the first quarter of the financial year 2026-27, including a department-wise assessment of targets set under various government schemes and the achievements recorded against them.
DICCI emphasized that the success of government schemes should not be measured only through targets and official figures. The real test lies in whether eligible entrepreneurs are able to access and benefit from these schemes at the grassroots level.
DICCI called for wider and department-wise awareness of relevant government schemes among SC/ST entrepreneurs. It also stressed the need for practical assistance throughout the application process, enabling entrepreneurs to understand eligibility requirements, documentation and submission procedures without unnecessary difficulties.
Another major concern was the need for stronger coordination between government departments, banks and financial institutions. DICCI highlighted that eligible entrepreneurs should receive timely support from application to loan sanction and final disbursement.
The organization also underlined the importance of a strong handholding mechanism. Many entrepreneurs may qualify for government-supported schemes but can face difficulties because of limited awareness, procedural complexity or gaps in coordination. Effective ground-level support can help bridge this gap.
The issues and suggestions raised by DICCI were positively acknowledged by the concerned authorities and participating institutions. They expressed their commitment to providing better assistance to SC/ST entrepreneurs in accessing schemes, completing applications and securing timely financial support.
The meeting served as an important platform for strengthening the connection between government schemes, financial institutions and SC/ST entrepreneurship. The larger objective is to ensure that policy provisions translate into real economic opportunities and tangible benefits for entrepreneurs at the grassroots.
DICCI’s active participation reflects its continued commitment to financial inclusion, entrepreneurship development and the effective implementation of government schemes for SC/ST entrepreneurs.
