The Telangana government has positively responded to the BC Welfare Department’s request to make changes in its MSME 2024 policy, and include issues connected to BCs.
During a seminar held at the Secretariat Conference Hall, BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, along with Government Advisor K. Keshava Rao, intellectuals, retired IAS officers, BC MLAs, corporation chairpersons and industrialists held discussions.
During the meeting, it was decided to form a committee that included the retired Director General of MSMEs, Chukka Kondayya, retired IAS officers and industrialists to provide suggestions on incorporating BC-related elements into the MSME policy. Advisor Keshava Rao said the MSME policy introduced by the government is one of the best in the country, and if extended to BCs like other communities, it can lead to industrial development.
Ponnam pointed out that BCs have not been included in the MSME policy so far, even though the majority of micro, small, and medium enterprises are based on the traditional occupations of BC communities.
BC Welfare Department Principal Secretary Burra Venkatesham said that every BC family in the state should be treated as a micro-unit, adding that traditional occupations like gold smithing, laundry and barbering would greatly benefit from the inclusion of BC-related provisions in the MSME policy.
Retired IAS officers suggested that modern technology could revolutionize various occupations under MSMEs.
The inclusion of BCs in the national MSME framework, as suggested by retired IAS officer Chiranjeevi, could bring similar benefits as those provided to SCs and STs, extending subsidies to BCs, minorities, and disabled individuals.
He added that women could also benefit through the Nari Shakti initiative, which offers a 10 per cent subsidy for enterprises set up in their names.
Former MSME Director General Chukka Kondayya emphasized the need to educate BCs on setting up enterprises and developing skills among BC youth.
MBC Corporation Chairman Jeripati Jaipal called for implementing past GOs that allotted 25 per cent of quarries to Vaddera communities.
Fisheries Corporation Chairman Mettu Sai Kumar stressed the importance of focusing on the development of fishermen and establishing fish stalls in every area.
