‘CHAMPIONS’ – A new Web portal for MSMEs

CHAMPIONS – A technology platform launched by the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). Another step is taken by the government of India, to support local businesses and small enterprises. The web portal is a one-stop-shop for MSME ministry that operates as a control room and a management information system. 

The name ‘CHAMPIONS’ is an acronym for the Creation and Harmonious Application of Modern Processes for Increasing the Output and National Strength. The portal has been described by the government as a unified, empowered, robust, bundled, and technology-driven platform. 

The portal aims to be a helping hand to the existing smaller units in making them big by solving difficulties and grievances. The ministry aims to assist and encourage the Indian MSMEs to become Champions in bigger leagues and sustain the National and International competitive environment. 

Below are the three main objectives of CHAMPIONS as stated by the Ministry of MSME:

1. To help the MSMEs in this difficult situation (COVID-19 pandemic) in terms of finance, raw materials, labor, permissions, etc.
2. To help the MSMEs capture new opportunities in the manufacturing and services sectors.
3. To identify the sparks, i.e., the bright MSMEs who can withstand at present and become national and international champions.

The technology-driven platform is enabled by Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and Machine Learning, along with the basic ICT tools (telephone, internet, video conference). Built with the help of the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the portal is integrated with the main grievances portal of the Indian government on a real-time basis. 

As part of the system, a network of control rooms is created in a Hub and Spoke Model

The office of Secretary, MSME in New Delhi is the hub and the offices and institutions of the ministry in the various states are the spokes. As of now, 66 state-level control rooms are created.

The portal is aimed at MSME units and people depending on them. It is mainly created to support and help them re-start in this current crisis, and to promote and provide them with new opportunities. 

More details can be read here

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