OSSIA Applauds Major Procurement Boost to Local MSEs from Sambalpur district administration.

In a significant boost to local industries, the President of Odisha Small Scale Industries Association, Smarjit Mohanty, has expressed appreciation for a landmark initiative benefiting Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Odisha.

₹20 Crore CSR Initiative by MCL

Under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), based in Sambalpur, allocated around ₹20 crore to the district administration for the procurement of Compact Desk-cum-Bench (Dual Desk).

This initiative is set to benefit over 41,000 elementary school students across the district, improving classroom infrastructure and learning conditions.

Shift to Local Procurement

Initially, the desks were planned to be sourced from manufacturers outside Odisha. However, timely intervention by the Sambalpur district administration ensured that procurement aligned with the Orissa Procurement Preference Policy 2024.

As a result, the entire order was awarded to 41 local rate contract-holding units, ensuring that economic benefits remained within the state.

Strong Endorsement of State Policy

OSSIA hailed the move as a strong endorsement of the government’s commitment to promoting local industries. According to Smarjit Mohanty, such initiatives not only generate employment but also enhance the competitiveness and capacity of local MSEs.

Key Role of Hemant Sharma

The association also acknowledged the efforts of Hemant Sharma, whose guidance played a crucial role in ensuring that local enterprises received the opportunity.

His intervention was instrumental in persuading the district administration to prioritize local MSE units.

OSSIA’s Continued Advocacy

OSSIA reiterated its long-standing demand for strict implementation of procurement preference policies. The association has consistently advocated for ensuring that local MSMEs receive their rightful share in government and institutional procurement processes.

A Model for Collaborative Governance

The initiative is being viewed as a model example of effective policy implementation, showcasing how coordinated efforts between government bodies and industry stakeholders can deliver tangible benefits.

It not only strengthens the local industrial ecosystem but also contributes to the education sector by improving infrastructure for students.

Call for Replication Across Odisha

OSSIA has urged the government to replicate similar initiatives across other districts. It also emphasized the need to expand the range of products under rate contract procurement and further strengthen the procurement mechanism.

Such steps, the association believes, will play a vital role in accelerating the growth of the MSE sector in Odisha.