Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani on Saturday called on investors to support women-owned micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and said this will benefit families and the society at large. Non-performing assets (NPA) for women-owned businesses are less than 2 per cent, she said.
The minister was addressing a session at the ongoing Uttar Pradesh Global Investors Summit (UPGIS-2023) here. "To work for women is the best. Every policy, decision, programme that has women at its centre has helped accrue benefits for families and the society at large. If you are a smart investor, invest in women," Irani said.
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Schemes of the Narendra Modi government like the Mudra Yojana have enabled entrepreneurs to easily get loans for small businesses. "NPAs for women-owned businesses are less than 2 per cent," she said. On the Uttar Pradesh government's One District, One Product scheme, Irani said it works for the development of those standing at the margins of the society as envisioned by RSS ideologue Deendayal Upadhyaya.
For some ODOP may be a medium of commerce, it is a medium of enterprise for many and for those into skill-based work, it is a medium for engaging talent, but it ensures that the benefits of commerce reach the last person, she said.
