Govt can provide assistance to film-makers to showcase real life on reel: Prez

In case you are interested in showcasing real life success stories on the silver screen, assistance can be provided by the government, President Ram Nath Kovind told film-makers today.

Taking a cue from Akshay Kumar's flick 'Padman', the President cited the example of Tamil Nadu's Arunachalam Muruganantham who made a major contribution in improving menstrual hygiene by making low-cost sanitary pads.

Movies made on such inspiring personalities will create a good environment for self-employment opportunities, he said at a function organised by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Ministry.

"I have been informed that Tamil Nadu's Arunachalam Muruganantham has made a very significant contribution to the society... and over 100 countries have shown interest in manufacturing his low-cost sanitary pads.

"A film inspired by his success was also made which became quite popular. There are many such inspiring examples and more films should be made on them which will create a good environment for self employment opportunities. The Ministry can also provide suggestions and assistance to talented people to make such films," Kovind said.

Development Commissioner MSME Ram Mohan Mishra said the Ministry would work on the President's suggestion to showcase success stories through movies.

Addressing the 'Udyam Sangam' conference to mark the UN MSME Day here, the President observed that MSME entrepreneurs can present effective and affordable solutions for societal and local problems based on grass-root innovation in their surrounding areas.

He also launched the Solar Charkha Mission and the Sampark portal which is a digital platform aiming to connect 5 lakh job seekers with recruiters.

The digital platform titled Sampark portal development will be quite useful in creating a skill pool and connecting trained youth with job opportunities, he said.

The empowerment and progress of weaker sections through MSMEs helps in inclusive development, said the President.

"To utilise the potential of these enterprises towards inclusive development, National Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Hub was established in Ludhiana. As a consequence of this initiative youth from these communities seeking job and entrepreneurship opportunities will be encouraged more.

"Udyam Sakhi portal started by MSME Ministry this year is providing facilities of training, fund raising, market survey and technical assistance to 80 lakh women," he said.

He pointed out that the government has introduced many special provisions for MSME entrepreneurs including the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Amendment Ordinance 2018.

"The delinquency norms which classify loans of MSME borrowers registered via GSTN as non-performing assets have been eased by RBI. The relaxation has recently also been extended to MSME entrepreneurs not registered under GST.

"According to a survey there are about 6.5 crore MSMEs in India which have created over 11 crore job opportunities. Such enterprises have registered over 10 per cent growth in recent times which is much more compared to large enterprises," Kovind said.

The President further said that the Zero Defect, Zero Effect model to improve quality standards is a good initiative which will extend the reach of MSMEs in India and beyond while reducing the negative impact on the environment.

"I have been informed that consistent efforts are being made to develop the MSME sector and to bring these enterprises in the organised sector fold and attention is being paid to higher credit support, capital and interest subsidy," he said, adding that MSMEs play a very important role for India as well as the world.

"After agriculture sector, maximum number of people find employment in such enterprises. Such enterprises create employment opportunities in rural and backward areas," Kovind said.

Union MSME Minister Giriraj Singh said that MSMEs have created 4 crore jobs in the last four years through initiatives like collateral free loans to 16 lakh entrepreneurs between 2014-18, linking 15 lakh people to the Prime Minister's Employment Guarantee Programme and setting up 94 clusters for artisans and manufacturers.

"In the last four years, MSMEs have achieved the goal, provided employment opportunities and I accept with a challenge that we have created four crore jobs for people," Singh said.

The Minister further said the Solar Charkha Mission launched by the President will create five crore jobs.

"During the first phase of the mission, 50 clusters will be established and financial assistance worth Rs 550 crore is being provided by the government which will create one lakh jobs," Singh said.