PM to give away National Awards to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises today

New Delhi, Aug 28 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will give away the National Awards to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises here today.

The function is being organized by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

Dinsha Patel, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for MSME will preside over the function.

National Awards were instituted in 1983 for outstanding entrepreneurship in Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs).

The Awards are given to MSMEs for outstanding performance in Entrepreneurship, Research and Development and Quality; to banks for lending to the micro and small sector; to honour one outstanding woman entrepreneur; and one outstanding entrepreneur from SC/ST community.

Special recognition awards are also given in all categories for performance above a certain cut-off level.

The awards are given for various categories in research and development efforts, entrepreneurship and quality products.

The first, second and third National Awards carry a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000/-, Rs. 75,000/- and Rs. 50,000/- respectively, a certificate and a trophy.

A Special Recognition to those MSMEs scoring marks above 80 per cent and 50 per cent (in case of North-Eastern Region including Sikkim) is given a cash prize of Rs. 20,000/-, a certificate and a trophy.

These awards are given at State level functions organized by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises-Development Institutes of respective states.

The category of Outstanding Entrepreneurship includes (First, Second and Third), Special Awards, at par with the First National Award, to honour an outstanding women entrepreneur, an outstanding entrepreneur from SC/ST and an entrepreneur from North Eastern Region, two (First and Second) awards for Medium Enterprises engaged in manufacturing and two (First and Second) awards for MSEs rendering services.

The First, Second and Third National Awards for Micro and Small Enterprises for 2008 will be awarded to entrepreneurs from Maharashtra, West Bengal and Gujarat respectively.

A woman entrepreneur from Andhra Pradesh has won the Special Award under the category of women entrepreneurs and special award for SC/ST entrepreneur has gone to Gujarat. A women entrepreneur from Sikkim has won the Special Award from NER.

The first and second National Awards for Medium Enterprise has been won by entrepreneurs from Karnataka and Rajasthan respectively. An entrepreneur from Haryana won first National Award and entrepreneur from Kerala won the second award for the Micro and Small Enterprises rendering Services. Special Recognition Awards will also be given to entrepreneurs/enterprises.

The category of Research and Development in MSMEs include two awards (First and Second) for Micro and Small Enterprises.

The next category includes certain Quality Product groups selected each year. One National Award is given for each category of the selected products.

The National Awards for Quality Products 2008 will be given to eligible entrepreneurs for nine products i.e. (1) Woolen Blankets and Shawls and Stoles (2) Electric Wires and Cables (3) Fasteners (Nuts, Bolts and Screws) (4) Auto Parts -Metallic (Non-electrical) (5) Dairy Products (6) Ceramic Table ware (7) Plastic Extruded Products (8) Paints and Varnishes (9) Non-Leather Footwear (all types). Special Recognition awards will be given to 14 entrepreneurs/enterprises.

The National Awards Scheme has had a positive impact on the MSMEs. The awardees have benefited by way of larger orders booked, higher credibility with bankers and improvement in brand image. (ANI)