“Local tech is key to optimum utilisation of resources and sustainable development”: Giriraj Singh

Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), while speaking at the Social Enterprise Conclave 2018 in New Delhi, said that India needs more indigenously-developed technologies for the optimum utilisation of resources for sustainable development.

Singh went on to discuss the example of the Solar Charkha Mission of the MSME Ministry, which has been operational for the past six months. It was described as impactful to many villages and was empowering women by creating livelihoods for them. “Women are now earning more than Rs 10,000 a month,” he added.

The minister also said all enterprises that help in the development of society are social enterprises. “Khadis are the best example of social enterprise. The Khadi village industry has zero pollution effect on the environment. I urge the youth to join Khadi industries and be a part of a sustainable development model,” he explained.

He added that the Prime Minister’s vision of doubling farmers’ income is achievable only when all the resources available in rural areas such as cow dung, cow urine, discarded human hair and agri waste products, are utilised by turning them into bio-compost or utility products. He said this will improve the economic condition of villages and will lead to overall social development.

Ram Mohan Mishra, Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner, MSME, said, “The MSME Ministry has launched a scheme on supporting and harnessing the social enterprise segment as they are the key growth drivers for creating and sustaining new MSMEs.”

Jyotsna Sitling, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, spoke about the schemes and programmes being made available for the skill development of the youth so that they may be gainfully employed.

The event was attended by social activists, representatives of NGOs, entrepreneurs, research organisations, and finance and business experts who work in the field of micro, small and medium entrepreneurship.