The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, October 17, 2024 (TBB Bureau): The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in Odisha is undergoing a dynamic digital revolution, propelled by the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) groundbreaking Digital Saksham program. Supported by Mastercard, this innovative initiative is empowering micro enterprises across 13 states and over 55 industrial clusters, bridging the gap between traditional business models and the opportunities offered by digital technologies.
In Odisha, Digital Saksham — a collaborative effort between CII and the Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth — is significantly transforming the MSME landscape. The program equips entrepreneurs with essential digital skills and tools, fostering growth, sustainability, and competitiveness in the global market.
“The impact of Digital Saksham in Odisha has been remarkable,” stated M Ponnuswami, Co-Chairman of CII National MSME Council. “We’ve reached 36,438 MSMEs, trained 8,785 businesses, and achieved an adoption rate of 6,976 enterprises. This success is reflected in inspiring stories from locations such as Puri, Khurda, Bhadrak, Balangir, Kalahandi, Cuttack, and Mayurbhanj.”
Across these locations, each sector is embracing the opportunities presented by digital transformation. In Cuttack, for instance, the handloom industry is experiencing a renaissance as weavers blend traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Digital tools are now being used for design, production, and marketing, preserving Odisha’s rich textile heritage while expanding market reach. Meanwhile, Mayurbhanj’s forest-based industries, particularly in food processing, are leveraging digital platforms to promote their products, contributing to sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity preservation.
Even in Kalahandi, one of Odisha’s most underdeveloped regions, Digital Saksham is making a significant impact despite challenges like limited mobile network coverage. Bhadrak’s craft sector, including agarbatti production, apparel manufacturing, and terracotta pottery, is also thriving by embracing e-commerce platforms. Artisans are now able to reach customers far beyond their local markets. In Puri, dairy producers and artisans specializing in Jagannath idols and terracotta products are adopting digital marketing strategies and online sales channels, ensuring their products reach wider audiences.
The program’s success is best highlighted through real-life stories of transformation. Rabindra Kumar Jati, an artisan from Mahulia, Cuttack, increased his monthly income from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 8,500 after receiving Digital Saksham training. He now uses digital payments, maintains digital accounts, and has learned about GST filing, Udyam registration, and business expansion strategies. Similarly, Sameer Mishra, a 46-year-old entrepreneur from Kankadajodi in Cuttack, transitioned from cash-only transactions to digital payments after the training. He also created a Facebook page for his business and confidently uses UPI and net banking, expressing gratitude for the program.
“These success stories demonstrate how the Digital Saksham program is enabling businesses across Odisha to leverage digital tools for growth and efficiency,” added Ponnuswami. “Our collaborative approach has fostered synergies among stakeholders, facilitating knowledge-sharing, skill development, and the adoption of best practices.”
As the program continues to expand, it is also bridging micro enterprises with state schemes for MSMEs, encouraging Udyam and GeM platform registrations.
Digital Saksham is not just a training initiative; it is a catalyst for a new era of entrepreneurship and economic growth in Odisha’s MSME sector.
