National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) Scheme
Why in News?
The National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) Scheme is in the news because the Ministry of MSME released an official report showing a monumental 37-fold increase in public procurement from SC/ST-owned enterprises. Data released on June 9, 2026, highlighted that procurement value surged from ₹99.37 crore (0.07%) in 2015-16 to ₹3,738.34 crore (1.59%) in the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Core Objective & Mandate
- Target Population: It aims at the capacity enhancement of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs to build a robust "entrepreneurship culture".
- Procurement Goal: It empowers marginalized businesses to effectively compete for and achieve the mandated 4% procurement target from Central Ministries, Departments, and Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
- Administrative Control: Originally launched by the Prime Minister in October 2016, it is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME).
- Implementation Agency: The scheme is actively executed on the ground by the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC).
Key Components & Benefits
- Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (SCLCS): Provides a 25% capital subsidy (capped at ₹25 lakh) for SC-ST owned MSEs to procure plant, machinery, and advanced equipment using institutional credit.
- Special Marketing Assistance Scheme (SMAS): Funds travel, space rental, and logistics to facilitate free participation in domestic and international exhibitions, trade fairs, and buyer-seller meets.
- Capacity Building & Skill Training: Offers completely sponsored technical and business management training courses accompanied by free operational toolkits upon successful completion.
- Onboarding Assistance: Provides direct logistical and documentation handholding for Udyam registration and registration on the GeM portal.
Institutional Framework
- NSSH Offices (NSSHOs): Operates through 15 dedicated regional hub offices located across major cities including Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, Guwahati, and Kolkata to provide localized lifecycle handholding.
- Ecosystem Partners: Collaborates directly with premier industry bodies such as the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI), incubators, and CPSE mentors.
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