Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan Launches Major Digital Initiatives for MSMEs, Calls Technology and AI Key to India’s Growth.
New Delhi:
Vice-President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday called for greater innovation, quality, and technology adoption in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, stating that these pillars are essential for building a globally competitive economy and achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Addressing the International MSME Day 2026 celebrations at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, the Vice-President described MSMEs as the backbone of India’s economy, representing the aspirations of young entrepreneurs, the determination of women-led enterprises, and the resilience of millions of small businesses that continue to transform challenges into opportunities.
Highlighting the importance of maintaining high standards, C. P. Radhakrishnan said there can be no compromise on quality in business. He stressed that reducing production costs should never come at the expense of product quality or customer service, adding that sustained success in global markets depends on delivering superior products and services while remaining cost-competitive.
The Vice-President urged entrepreneurs to embrace technological advancements, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), instead of viewing them as threats. Referring to this year’s United Nations theme, “Human-Centered Entrepreneurship in an AI-Driven Future,” he noted that every major technological shift has ultimately generated new opportunities. Drawing parallels with the introduction of computers, he expressed confidence that AI would similarly create employment and drive innovation if adopted constructively.
Sharing his own entrepreneurial journey, C. P. Radhakrishnan recalled starting a small garment business after graduation with financial assistance from his father. He said perseverance, continuous learning, and hard work enabled him to build a successful knitwear export business before entering public life. Encouraging young entrepreneurs, he advised them not to be discouraged by initial setbacks and to dedicate themselves to mastering their chosen fields.
The Vice-President also reflected on his tenure as Chairman of the Coir Board, stating that despite having little prior knowledge of the industry, he immersed himself in learning every aspect of the sector. By working closely with exporters and setting ambitious goals, he said the industry witnessed significant growth, reinforcing his belief that commitment and continuous learning are the keys to success.
Calling for accelerated growth within the MSME ecosystem, C. P. Radhakrishnan said every micro enterprise should aspire to become a small enterprise, and every small enterprise should grow into a medium-sized business. He emphasized that adequate investment, supportive government policies, and easier access to finance are crucial for enabling businesses to scale up.
He also urged the Ministry of MSME to encourage universal registration of enterprises, noting that comprehensive registration would improve the quality of data available to policymakers and help formulate more targeted and effective support measures.
Appreciating the government’s initiatives, the Vice-President commended efforts to formalise MSMEs, expand bank credit, and promote technology adoption. He also praised the contribution of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), saying it has transformed sectors such as honey production and khadi garments. While acknowledging khadi’s roots in Gandhian ideals, he said the sector must continue adapting to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements to remain globally competitive.
On the occasion, the Vice-President felicitated the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) on its elevation to a Schedule ‘A’ Company. He also launched several key digital initiatives, including the PMEGP 2.0 Portal, Samadhaan 2.0 Portal, Procurement and Marketing Support (PMS) 2.0 Portal, MSME Global Mart 2.0 Portal, Testing Centre Portal, and the Ministry of MSME’s multilingual enablement initiative. The MSME Idea Hackathon 6.0 was also launched, while e-books on the Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund and PM Vishwakarma Scheme were released alongside new products introduced by KVIC.
The event was attended by Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, Minister of State for MSME Shobha Karandlaje, KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar, MSME Secretary Bharat Khera, senior government officials, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs from across the country.
