The strengthening of MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) is vital to ‘Make in India’ programme a success, said N Gopal, General Manager, RBI, Bengaluru.

Inaugurating an MSME meet, organised by RBI in Mangaluru on Friday, he said there is a need to handhold MSMEs as they have the potential to create large number of jobs.

Urging the commercial banks to focus more on this sector, Gopal said various banks in Karnataka have conducted more than 370 programmes for MSME sector in the last financial year.

Schemes for entrepreneurs PI Sreevidya, CEO of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, said the Centre’s schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana have helped provide loans to launch micro enterprises.

Now even an uneducated woman from a rural area can become an entrepreneur with such schemes. However, it is essential to have the motivation to become an entrepreneur, she said.

AB Ibrahim, Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district, said the district grows cash crops such as arecanut, coconut and pepper. However, there are not much agro-processing industries in the region. There is a need for MSMEs from the district to focus on this area, he said.

Alternative industries Some of the traditional industries such as beedi manufacturing units are crumbling due to various factors. There is need to promote alternative industries for those employed in such sectors. Garment units can be promoted in the district, and the bankers should play a major role in promoting them, he said.

Sunil Mehta, Executive Director of Corporation Bank, also spoke. Around 350 participants from various sections, including MSMEs and self-help groups, attended.

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