MSMEs To Get AI Training Boost Under NITI Aayog’s New Initiative In Collaboration With AICTE And CII

This is the first-of-its-kind initiative launched by the Modi government to empower local businesses, and it is being seen as a step towards an economically stronger India, aligning with PM Modi’s vision—Viksit Bharat, said a senior official of NITI Aayog.

Addressing the programme, B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, said, “We talk about supporting MSMEs, but often it’s just lip service. The term itself—micro, small, and medium—can be a misnomer, as these enterprises form the backbone of our economy and play a critical role in intermediate production that feeds into the global value chain."

“NITI Aayog is now working to create an ecosystem that connects MSME clusters and integrates them, rather than leaving them to operate in isolation. They need to work in clusters. Deregulation—whether related to land access, electricity, or water—is key, and these issues are already being addressed under the Cabinet Secretary’s oversight, as desired by PM Modi," he added.

While discussing the economic interests of the sector, he also explained that MSMEs do not ask for subsidies. “What they need is support in upgrading their technology, access to training, and help with quality certifications. These are crucial aspects that they cannot afford on their own. The biggest challenge they face is the lack of funds for R&D and innovation. Without that, improving technology becomes difficult. Going forward, technology adoption will be the primary driver for MSME growth and global competitiveness," he further stated.

As India pushes to position itself as a key player in the global value chain, the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector is emerging as a critical driver of economic growth and employment.

Recognising the challenges faced by the MSME sector—from limited access to R&D funds to the need for technology adoption and quality certification—NITI Aayog, in collaboration with key stakeholders such as AICTE and CII, has launched initiatives aimed at building an enabling ecosystem across states.

Significantly, these efforts focus not just on policy support but on ground-level interventions that bring clusters together, simplify regulatory hurdles, and help MSMEs upgrade their capabilities. Experts believe that fully integrating MSMEs into the national and global value chain will require far more than financial assistance—it demands sustained efforts in deregulation, skill development, technology adoption, and certification processes.