Modi also launched the two most awaited schemes, National SC/ST hub and Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED).
Earlier, Modi reached Punjab Agricultural University and tried his hand at a Charkha. He also distributed 500 traditional wooden Charkhas to women spinners.
He pitched again for Khadi by saying, “Things are changing. See how well Khadi is marketed now. Khadi is not just ‘Khadi for Nation’ but it is also ‘Khadi for Fashion’.
He said, “Ludhiana is an important economic hub. It is natural to launch a scheme related to MSMEs here. I am seeing a mini-India in front of me. MSME sector is crucial For our economic development. We must target the global market.”
“You would have seen the trend in this Govt as important schemes are being launched in various parts of India, and not only in Delhi” he added.
Launching the SC/ST hub PM said, “Spirit of entrepreneurship among Dalits will benefit us. There are youngsters whose dreams are to create enterprises and jobs. We have to bring the poor into the economic mainstream because India’s progress is closely linked with this.”
He asked, “Can our MSME sector only keep looking at the market in India? No, Let us look at global market and match their quality control standards. It is waiting for us. No need to think that we are small.”
Launching the ZED scheme Modi said, “We should have a dream of making products with ‘zero defect’. Our products should be so perfect that all the countries buy them without a second thought. At least 10 lakh MSME entrepreneurs should come ahead and register with the ZED QCI scheme.”
He also congratulated all award winners and said, “Award winning MSMEs can use the award logo in advertisements and on labour uniforms. Banks should compete to offer loans to the MSMEs.”
Union Minister of MSME, Kalraj MIshra thanked PM Narendra Modi and said that getting awards from you will inspire MSMEs. They will make more quality products. He further announced sops for MSMEs like less interest rate on procurement fees and decreased single page registration fees.
Modi also inaugurates a Khadi Udyog Exhibition in Ludhiana. Out of total awarded 222 entrepreneurs, 109 industrialists were chosen in financial year 2013-14 during the UPA regime while the rest have been chosen by the NDA government in 2014-15.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Minister of State (MoS) for MSME Giriraj Singh and Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary, MSME Secretary K K Jalan and Development Commissioner S N Tripathi were also present at the award ceremony.