Empowering SC/ST Entrepreneurs: Inspiring Success Stories from NSSH Scheme
The National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in October 2016, is creating transformative opportunities for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs as India gears up for a developed nation by 2047. Through various support initiatives, the scheme is helping these entrepreneurs turn their business dreams into reality while promoting inclusive economic growth.
Shri Balwant Lal Suman’s Entrepreneurial Success
One remarkable success story is that of Shri Balwant Lal Suman, a first-generation entrepreneur from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. With a background in Mechanical Engineering and over 15 years of experience, he founded Rigtech Infra (OPC) Private Limited, focusing on manufacturing pipes for infrastructure projects. The NSSH Scheme played a pivotal role in his journey by providing a Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy, enabling him to secure ₹25 lakh for upgrading advanced manufacturing equipment in September 2023. This modernization led to enhanced production capabilities, improved product quality, and an increased competitive edge.
His hard work paid off when he successfully acquired multiple tenders from Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. in 2025, marking the beginning of his integration into the public procurement supply chain. Suman’s venture not only expanded its market reach but also created 16 new jobs, significantly boosting its annual turnover.
Shri Bahadurbhai Panchiyabhai Chaudhari’s Growth Journey
Another inspiring entrepreneur supported by the NSSH is Shri Bahadurbhai Panchiyabhai Chaudhari from Surat, Gujarat. He launched Modufurn Benchcraft LLP in June 2023, aiming to manufacture high-quality, durable furniture tailored for government and educational sectors. With guidance and support from the NSSH, he streamlined his business operations to meet industry standards.
Leveraging the NSSH’s facilitation, Chaudhari’s firm successfully joined the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), allowing it to secure supply orders from the Ministry of Education and the Gujarat Education Department. Further capital investments of ₹25 lakh for equipment upgrade in March 2026 solidified the company’s production capacity and quality consistency, positioning it for further growth in public procurement markets.
Smt. Devi Gurjar: A Woman Entrepreneur Breaking Barriers
The story of Smt. Devi Gurjar from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, highlights how the NSSH enables women entrepreneurs to thrive. As the owner of Ajanta Beverages, she focuses on manufacturing high-quality beverages and packaged drinking water. The NSSH Scheme supported her entry into mainstream markets by helping her secure ₹19.41 lakh under the Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme in May 2020. This funding enabled her to modernize her production facilities and comply with institutional standards.
With improved production capabilities, Ajanta Beverages successfully delivered orders to HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited by December 2025, showcasing the strength and scalability of her business.
Promoting Inclusive Entrepreneurship Across India
The NSSH scheme aims to empower SC/ST Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) by helping them access public procurement opportunities, contributing to the government’s goal of achieving a 4% procurement mandate from these sectors. The scheme supports various initiatives such as purchasing equipment, capacity building, training, market linkages, and facilitating participation in exhibitions.
As a result of these committed efforts, public procurement from SC/ST-owned MSEs has skyrocketed from ₹99.37 crore in 2015-16 to ₹3738.34 crore in 2025-26, marking an impressive growth of 37 times. More than 179,000 SC/ST entrepreneurs have benefited from the NSSH Scheme, transforming their aspirations into success stories.
For additional information on the National SC-ST Hub Scheme, visit the official website.
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