The Procurement and Marketing Support (PMS) scheme was introduced by the government to provide marketing support to MSMEs facing problems in exploring new markets and retaining existing ones due to a lack of information, scarcity of resources, and unorganized ways of selling or marketing.
The scheme aims at promoting new market access initiatives such as participating in trade fairs or exhibitions to create awareness and educate the MSMEs about the process of packaging in marketing, the latest packaging technology, import-export policy and procedure, GeM portal, apart from the latest developments in international and national trade and other subjects relevant for market access developments.
The PMS scheme offers subsidies on space rent charges for participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, travel expenses up to Rs 25,000, finance assistance of up to Rs 25,000 for selling on the e-commerce portal MSME Global Mart, up to Rs 30 lakh assistance in developing retail outlets for promoting GI products, and more.
To apply for the scheme, MSMEs are required to register under the MSME Ministry’s Udyam Registration and the industry association or trade bodies representing the eligible retailers have to submit their application to the concerned MSME-DIs (development institute) of their region. The application or proposal is required to be submitted preferably two months before the event (fair or exhibition).
The proposal is then shared with the Empowered Committee of the scheme for final approval. The scheme gives preference to first-time participants and units from remote locations such as from aspirational districts and also from SC/ST and women.
The Empowered Committee is headed by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary and Development Commission (MSME) with Joint Secretary (SME) or his/her representative, ADC (PMS) In-charge of PMS Division, Director (Planning and Marketing) NSIC or his/her representative and Nominee of IFW (International Finance Wing) as members.
After the application submission, ADC (PMS) gives in-principle administrative approval for the event proposed under the PMS scheme. Moreover, the scheme is monitored through an integrated MIS by the implementing agency and also a scheme management unit setup in the office of DC (MSME).
During 2023, the MSME Ministry had participated in 253 trade fairs and exhibitions across the country benefiting around 9,500 MSEs, according to the data from the ministry in its 2023 year-end review earlier this year. During last year’s India International Trade Fair in Delhi, 195 stalls were allocated to micro and small enterprises at the MSME pavilion, over 85 per cent of which were allocated to first-time participants.
