National Scheduled Caste & Scheduled Tribe Hub Scheme: A New Boost for MSME Inclusion

In December 2025, the Government of India announced the implementation of the National Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Hub (NSSH) Scheme with renewed focus and expanded support mechanisms to promote entrepreneurship among SC and ST businesses within the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) ecosystem. This initiative, under the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, comes at a time when inclusive growth and equitable participation in public procurement are national priorities. The NSSH Scheme aims to enhance mobilisation, support, and competitiveness of SC/ST-owned enterprises by ensuring mandated procurement targets under the Public Procurement Policy are met, while fostering market linkages and capacity building tailored to historically disadvantaged groups. The move is seen as a targeted effort to integrate underserved entrepreneurs into the formal economy which can be seen in  India Brand Equity Foundation and enable them to access government contracts, credit streams, and skill development opportunities with greater ease. 

The NSSH Scheme places emphasis on creating a level playing field, where SC/ST MSMEs receive structured support through vendor development programmes, special marketing assistance, and capacity building. The policy’s implementation enhances awareness of tenders and procurement opportunities through single-point registration systems like the Single Point Registration Scheme (SPRS), helping SC/ST enterprises compete more effectively for government contracts. Additionally, the scheme supports participation in national and international exhibitions to broaden market reach and expand networks. This development is especially relevant given MSMEs’ role in economic growth and employment; modern Indian policies increasingly link formalisation, finance access, and digital adoption to sectoral resilience.

MSME Ecosystem and the Impact of the NSSH Scheme

Against the MSME backdrop, the NSSH Scheme’s introduction marks a strategic effort towards socio-economic inclusion. By guaranteeing that a minimum of 4% procurement from SC/ST owned MSEs is fulfilled under the Public Procurement Policy, the scheme not only opens a large market for these businesses but also instills confidence among institutional buyers to actively engage with them. SC/ST MSMEs often face hurdles like limited access to working capital, constrained marketing channels, and exclusion from tender processes due to lack of awareness or documentation challenges. The NSSH’s vendor development programmes, awareness campaigns, and market linkages seek to bridge these gaps by improving capabilities in quality, compliance, and competitiveness, essential attributes for scaling operations in a competitive environment.

The scheme is also expected to have positive ripple effects across local and regional economies. As more SC/ST MSMEs gain access to credit and formal procurement channels, they can expand employment opportunities in underserved communities, improve production capacities, and contribute to exports. Coupled with broader MSME credit guarantee schemes and digital lending initiatives, NIMSME this inclusive approach strengthens the sector’s resilience against cyclical downturns and global supply chain disruptions.

How MSMEs Can Register and Apply

Getting started with the NSSH Scheme, or any MSME support initiative, begins with Udyam Registration, the government’s official platform for MSME recognition. Entrepreneurs must visit the Udyam Registration portal (https://udyamregistration.gov.in) where they can complete the process online using their Aadhaar, PAN, and business details. This registration is crucial because most government schemes including procurement preferences, credit guarantees, and marketing support  require a valid Udyam number.

Once registered, SC/ST entrepreneurs seeking benefits under the NSSH Scheme should explore the National Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Hub guidance and register under the Single Point Registration Scheme (SPRS) to ensure visibility in government procurement databases. Official updates, circulars, and scheme links are regularly published by the Ministry of MSME website (https://msme.gov.in) under “Latest News & Events” and “Circulars”, which provide implementation guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application assistance.

For more detailed information on specific MSME schemes, including NSSH and others related to credit, marketing, and technology support, entrepreneurs can also access the MSME Scheme Booklet available on the Ministry’s website(MSME). These resources outline procedures for capacity building, vendor development, and accessing government exhibitions or trade fairs.