In a significant move towards enhancing the capabilities of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India, the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of India, launched the Assistance to Training Institutions (ATI) Scheme. This initiative is designed to provide support to training institutions under the Ministry of MSME, focusing on creating, strengthening, and expanding infrastructure, including the establishment of new branches and centers. Additionally, the scheme addresses revenue deficits faced by the National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (NIMSME).
Objectives of the ATI Scheme:
The primary objective of the ATI Scheme is to bolster training capacity for skill development and entrepreneurship. This includes training for staff at District Industries Centers (DICs) and other government institutions dealing with MSMEs. The scheme aims to enhance the overall capabilities of National Institutions under the Ministry of MSME to undertake these training programs.
Financial Assistance under the ATI Scheme:
1. Scale of Assistance to Training Institutions of the Ministry of MSME:
- The financial assistance under the scheme is tailored to meet the actual requirements for infrastructure creation, strengthening, expansion, and addressing revenue deficits of NIMSME.
2. Scale of Assistance to State-Level Entrepreneurship Development Institutes (EDIs):
- State-level EDIs can receive a maximum assistance of ₹3.00 Crore for the development of physical infrastructure, equipment procurement, faculty training, and skill development training capability related to the MSME sector.
3. Scale of Assistance for Training Programs:
- Financial assistance for skill development programs is determined based on the duration of NSQF-compliant training programs, with rates specified for different categories.
- Assistance for Training of Trainers (ToTs) programs is provided at ₹60 per trainee per hour.
- Assistance for other types of training programs is decided based on the actual requirements.
Eligibility Criteria:
1. Assistance to Training Institutions of the Ministry of MSME:
- Assistance may be provided for the creation, strengthening, expansion of infrastructure, and revenue deficit of training institutions under the Ministry of MSME.
2. Assistance to State Level EDIs:
- Existing State Level EDIs owned and controlled by a State Government/UT are eligible for assistance for infrastructure development.
3. Assistance for Training Programs:
- Training institutions such as NI-MSME, NSIC, KVIC, Coir Board, Tool Rooms/Technology Centres, and MGIRI are eligible for financial assistance under this scheme.
Application Process:
- Proposals for financial assistance must be submitted to the Deputy Secretary/Director (EDI), M/o MSME, New Delhi.
- The proposals are then processed and submitted to the Screening Committee for consideration.
Post-Application Process:
- Proposals are examined by the Screening Committee, and recommendations are submitted to the Secretary (MSME).
- After approval, administrative approval is conveyed to the applicant organization, and financial assistance is released accordingly.
Conclusion:
The ATI Scheme emerges as a crucial step in empowering MSMEs by focusing on skill development, entrepreneurship, and enhancing the training capabilities of institutions under the Ministry of MSME. As the scheme facilitates infrastructure development, faculty training, and skill enhancement, it plays a pivotal role in building a robust ecosystem for the growth and sustainability of the MSME sector in India.