Mysuru district in charge Minister H.C. Mahadevappa at the inauguration of an exhibition of products manufactured by women entrepreneurs in Mysuru on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: M.A. SRIRAM

Mysuru district in charge Minister H.C. Mahadevappa said that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have an important role to play in the economic growth of the country.

He spoke after inaugurating an exhibition of products made by women entrepreneurs in Mysuru on Saturday. The two-day expo is being held in collaboration with the Department of Industries and Commerce, the District Industrial Centre, and the Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA) at the Chamundi Vihara sports complex.

Mr. Mahadevappa said that more than 80,000 MSMEs closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a downturn in the nation’s economy. But since then, the MSMEs and small and cottage industries have witnessed a revival, and the State government has framed policies for their overall growth and to provide opportunities for their development.

Expressing his appreciation of the role of women in enterprise and business, Mr. Mahadevappa said that when he was the Minister for Rural Development, he had conceived a plan to provide market access for cottage industries to foster their growth. In addition, land has also been provided near Kadakola for women entrepreneurs, and when women are given the right opportunities, they prove their potential and excel, he said.

KASSIA president M.G. Rajagopal said that the exhibition was organised to encourage and promote women entrepreneurs. This year, there are 85 stalls, showcasing products related to engineering, toys, food items, and handicrafts, all made by women.

He said that women entrepreneurs from Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Mandya, and Hassan have been given more opportunities, and women from various districts, including Bengaluru and Kalaburagi, have also opened stalls and exhibited their products.

While all participants will receive a certificate of participation, prizes will also be given to women for the best three stalls on display at the expo. There will also be a workshop on GST during the two-day event. The expo has been organised through the KASSIA’s women entrepreneurs sub-committee to promote women’s entrepreneurship and provide a platform for women to become entrepreneurs.

Pushpa Amarnath, State vice president of the Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee, B.R. Ganesh Rao, vice president of KASSIA, and others were present.