T’gana Govt Prioritises Clearing Rs 2,200 Cr Subsidy Dues To Sc, St Entrepreneurs

Hyderabad: SC and ST entrepreneurs are yet waiting to receive Rs 2,200 crore in industrial subsidies from 2017. Telangana government has extended assurance to clear these dues on a priority basis. In the first tranche, Rs 300 crore is likely to be disbursed by the end of March.

Addressing a round table conference, ‘MSME 2024,’ on Friday, D Sridhar Babu, Minister for Industries and Commerce, Government of Telangana, said: “Since 2017, industrial subsidies amounting to over Rs 4,500 crore have remained unpaid, of which Rs 2,200 crore is due to SC/ST entrepreneurs. The government is prioritizing the clearance of these dues, with Rs 300 crore set to be disbursed by the end of March.” The minister further outlined several key initiatives undertaken by the government to strengthen the MSME ecosystem in Telangana.

He informed that the government is establishing mini Industrial Parks across all Assembly constituencies. In these parks, 10 per cent of the space will be exclusively reserved for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs. The government has also committed to prioritise SC/ST entrepreneurs in the procurement process of a product or service and allocation of State contract. Sridhar Babu further promised to provide end-to-end support to SC/ST entrepreneurs by addressing the challenges they face while setting up an industry, establishing Skill Centers to create an industry-ready workforce, encouraging innovative business ideas by extending policy and financial support, eliminate hurdles in securing bank loans and implement measures to promote and sustain cottage industries.