The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, organised the 5th meeting of the National MSME Council on 24 February 2026 at the NASC Complex, PUSA Road, New Delhi. The high-level meeting critically reviewed the progress of the World Bank–supported RAMP Programme (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance), a crucial initiative for India's economic backbone.
The Context: Why the RAMP Programme Matters
Introduced to help MSMEs recover and thrive post-pandemic, the RAMP programme is backed by significant World Bank funding. Previous MSME Council meetings laid the groundwork for state-level collaborations, but the 5th meeting marked a shift from planning to aggressive digital execution and technological integration.
What is the National MSME Council?
The National MSME Council functions as the primary administrative and coordinating body overseeing the implementation of the RAMP Programme. Its core responsibilities include:
- Ensuring seamless coordination between Central Ministries and State/UT Governments.
- Monitoring ongoing institutional and market reforms in the MSME sector.
- Advising the government on comprehensive MSME development strategies.
Core Objectives of the RAMP Programme
- Improve access to domestic and global markets, as well as affordable credit.
- Strengthen governance and institutions at both the Centre and State levels.
- Address the persistent issue of delayed payments to small vendors.
- Promote sustainability and the "greening" of MSME manufacturing processes.
Key Highlights of the 5th Council Meeting
Chaired by the Union Minister for MSME, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, the meeting emphasized making Indian MSMEs globally competitive. He urged all States and Union Territories to proactively promote local businesses to boost income generation, employment, and overall GDP growth.
Major Digital Launches
1. Udyami Bharat Portal (UBP)
Developed under the Digital India Mission, the Union Minister launched the Udyami Bharat Portal as a unified, one-stop digital ecosystem.
- Integrates all existing MSME-related portals and fragmented services.
- Bridges services from Central Ministries and State Governments into one dashboard.
- Drastically simplifies how entrepreneurs access government schemes and subsidies.
2. MSME Technology Transfer Platform (MTTP)
To keep pace with global manufacturing standards, the MSME Technology Transfer Platform was introduced.
- Provides direct access to advanced testing facilities and skilling support.
- Facilitates seamless technology transfer and promotes grassroots innovation.
- Offers dedicated support for Intellectual Property (IP) commercialisation.
Impact Analysis: What This Means for Small Businesses
For the everyday entrepreneur, the announcements from the 5th Council meeting represent a reduction in red tape. The Udyami Bharat Portal means a business owner in a Tier-3 city no longer has to navigate five different websites to apply for a loan or a subsidy; it is all centralized. Furthermore, the MTTP allows smaller factories to upgrade their machinery and technology without bearing the massive upfront costs of private R&D, levelling the playing field against larger corporations.
Special focus remains on empowering women-owned MSMEs and businesses from marginalised sections to ensure economic growth is inclusive.
Stakeholder Contributions
World Bank’s Role and Future Vision
Sebastian Eckardt, Regional Director for the World Bank, praised the ongoing partnership with India. The World Bank is actively supporting:
- The transition to green, sustainable manufacturing practices.
- Gender inclusion in entrepreneurship.
- Innovations like online dispute resolution to clear delayed payment backlogs.
The Role of States and Success Stories
Dr. Rajneesh, Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner (MSME), highlighted the sector's robust growth over the last four years. States including Jammu & Kashmir, Goa, Manipur, Nagaland, and Odisha presented inspiring success stories, showcasing how grassroots implementation of RAMP projects is changing local economies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the main purpose of the Udyami Bharat Portal?
A: It acts as a single-window digital platform that integrates all Central and State government services, making it easier for MSMEs to access schemes, loans, and administrative support without visiting multiple websites.
Q2: How does the World Bank support Indian MSMEs?
A: Through the RAMP Programme, the World Bank provides financial and strategic support to help Indian MSMEs become greener, more technologically advanced, and better integrated into global supply chains.
Q3: Who can use the MSME Technology Transfer Platform?
A: Any registered MSME looking to upgrade its manufacturing capabilities, access modern testing facilities, or commercialise an innovative product or patent can utilize the MTTP.
Conclusion
The 5th National MSME Council meeting clearly indicates a government pivot towards digital empowerment and technological self-reliance for small businesses. By bridging the gap between Centre and State initiatives and introducing unified platforms like the Udyami Bharat Portal, the RAMP Programme continues to ensure that Indian MSMEs are competitive, sustainable, and future-ready.
Source Reference: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India (24 February 2026).
For more deep-dive analyses on government schemes, explore the PIB Current Affairs section on Study In Depth.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information published by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and includes independent educational analysis. The content is intended for informational purposes only and does not represent an official legal interpretation of government policy.
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