Dr. Dinesh Kumar Tyagi
In India there are about 6.33 crore SMEs, out of which only about 45 lakh are so far registered in the Udyami Mitra Portal of the Government. Out of these, about 3.48 crore establishments (59.48%) were found operational in rural areas and nearly 2.37 crore establishments (40.52%) in urban areas. Government provides a large number of benefits to these SMEs, such as credit linked subsidy, market assistance, mudra loan and training and capacity building support. In order to avail such benefits from the Government, the SME needs to register at the Udyami Mitra Portal. Besides this, the SME can also sell its products to government departments/ agencies through GeM (Govt e-Market Place).
CSC can help in registration of the SMEs. We are soon going to launch this. Enabling about six crore SME registrations is a huge business opportunity for the CSC VLE. During registration, the VLE can enable BHIM QR Code to the merchant and earn extra amount. Each of the merchant can be enabled to get a .in or .bharat domain name, website and hosting facility. This will result in an annual income for the VLE. In many cases, these may be requiring registration under FSSAI and VLE can support them. CSC VLE can support the Merchant in getting GST Number as required and enabling filing of the returns by him. CSC can also sell Tally software to the merchant for accounting.
Besides this, the merchant may require support to register on the GeM portal to sell his/ her services/ goods. CSC can help in this and earn additional income. CSC can also help the merchant to file IT returns. CSC can sell insurance products and services to the merchant. Once the CSC builds a relationship with the merchant, he/ she can support the merchant for almost all his activities and needs.
CSC VLE can support the merchant in obtaining loans from banks where ever CSC is a Business Correspondent. CSC can support the merchant in availing various government benefits under different schemes. They can be registered under the SIDBI portal for loan. Some of the VLEs can also help in enabling sale of the products of the SMEs on the CSC VLE Bazaar and provide the desired linkages for the same.
CSC VLE can be a guide and mentor for the SMEs in his /her region. With six crore units for support, and almost every possible assistance provisioned through CSC, it is a win?win for all the stakeholders. For CSC, of course, it needs extra effort and understanding of the specific requirements, besides advocacy and close interaction at local level.
By providing support to SMEs, a CSC VLE can earn more than Rs 30,000 per month. Let us all resolve to strive for enabling support to SMEs in our region and increase opportunities for the VLEs. editor@ictpost.com
