The Orissa Government on Thursday said it was seriously considering setting up a separate department to deal with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME).

“A committee is being set up to examine aspects associated with MSME sector. It will suggest if the state requires a separate department for MSMEs,” Chief Secretary Mr B K Patnaik told reporters after attending a meeting on reorganising industry sector.

Stating that there were above one lakh micro, small and medium industries in the state, Industries Secretary Mr T Ramachandru said “The committee would visit states such as Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh where separate MSME departments are functioning.”