MSME-TEAM Initiative Launched to Support 500,000 MSMEs in Joining ONDC

MSME-TEAM Initiative Launched to Support 500,000 MSMEs in Joining ONDC

The Ministry of MSME has launched the MSME Trade Enablement and Marketing Initiative (MSME-TEAM Initiative) as a sub-scheme under the Central Sector Scheme “Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance.” This initiative aims to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India.

Key Objectives

  • Onboarding to ONDC: The initiative targets assisting five lakh MSMEs in joining the Open Network Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform.
  • Workshops and Assistance: It includes awareness workshops and hand-holding assistance for MSMEs to onboard onto ONDC.
  • Financial Support: Provides financial aid for:
    • Catalogue preparation
    • Account management
    • Logistics
    • Packaging material and design

Target Beneficiaries

  • Total MSMEs Beneficiaries: 500,000
  • Women-Owned MSMEs: 250,000 (half of the total beneficiaries)
  • Duration: 2024 to 2027

Implementation Details

  • Geographic Focus: Awareness workshops will be held in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and MSME clusters, focusing particularly on women and SC/ST-owned MSMEs.
  • Scheme Duration: The initiative is valid for three years, up to March 2027. MSMEs can continue to onboard onto ONDC beyond this period as it is an open network.

Official Statement

This information was provided by Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State for the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. What is the main goal of the MSME-TEAM Initiative?

  • A. To reduce the number of MSMEs in India
  • B. To assist MSMEs in onboarding to the ONDC platform
  • C. To increase taxes on MSMEs
  • D. To provide loans to large enterprises
  • Answer: B. To assist MSMEs in onboarding to the ONDC platform

2. How many MSMEs are targeted to benefit from the MSME-TEAM Initiative?

  • A. 100,000
  • B. 250,000
  • C. 500,000
  • D. 750,000
  • Answer: C. 500,000

3. What proportion of the total beneficiaries are women-owned MSMEs?

  • A. 25%
  • B. 50%
  • C. 75%
  • D. 100%
  • Answer: B. 50%

4. What financial assistance does the MSME-TEAM Initiative provide?

  • A. Employee salaries
  • B. Advertisement costs
  • C. Catalogue preparation, account management, logistics, and packaging material
  • D. Utility bills
  • Answer: C. Catalogue preparation, account management, logistics, and packaging material

5. Until when is the MSME-TEAM Initiative valid?

  • A. 2022
  • B. 2024
  • C. 2025
  • D. 2027
  • Answer: D. 2027