Former Chief Minister of Bihar, Jitan Ram Manjhi, has been appointed as the new MSME Minister under the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Manjhi, 79, who is also the leader of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), served as Bihar’s Chief Minister for a brief period between 2014 and 2015.
Manjhi’s Political Journey
Manjhi won the Gaya seat in Bihar in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, defeating Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Kumar Sarvjeet by 101,812 votes. His political career spans decades, beginning as an MLA from the Congress party in 1980 and becoming a minister in 1985. Over the years, Manjhi transitioned to the Janata Dal and later to the RJD before joining the Nitish Kumar government as a minister in 2015. His recent support for the NDA, announced after a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah in February, solidified his position within the coalition.
Replacing Narayan Rane
Manjhi succeeds Narayan Rane, who became the MSME Minister in July 2021 during the first major cabinet reshuffle of Modi’s second term. Rane had taken over from Nitin Gadkari, who previously held the portfolio. Manjhi’s appointment marks a significant change in the ministry, bringing a leader with a diverse political background and a deep understanding of Bihar’s socio-economic landscape.
Shobha Karandlaje as Minister of State
In addition to Manjhi’s appointment, Shobha Karandlaje has been named the new Minister of State (MoS) in the Ministry of MSME and the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Karandlaje previously served as the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in Modi’s second term. She took charge alongside Bhanu Pratap Verma, who served as MoS in the MSME Ministry with Rane since July 2021.
Karandlaje has a rich background in politics and public service. She was a member of the Standing Committee on Energy, the Committee on Empowerment of Women, and the Consultative Committee under the Ministry of Women and Child Development in the 17th Lok Sabha. Born in the small village of Charvaka near Puttur in Karnataka in October 1966, she completed her BA from St. Philomena College, Puttur, and earned Masters degrees in Social Work from Mangalore University and Sociology from Mysuru University.
Vision for the MSME Ministry
Manjhi’s appointment as MSME Minister is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the ministry. His experience as Bihar’s Chief Minister and his long political career provide him with a unique understanding of the challenges faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India. The MSME sector is crucial for India’s economic growth, contributing significantly to GDP and employment.
Manjhi’s tenure is likely to focus on enhancing support for MSMEs through better access to finance, technology, and markets. His approach is expected to include policies that address the unique needs of small businesses in rural and semi-urban areas, promoting inclusive growth. Given his background, Manjhi might also emphasize social equity and the empowerment of marginalized communities through MSME initiatives.
Challenges Ahead
One of the major challenges Jitan Ram Manjhi will face is navigating the post-pandemic economic landscape. The MSME sector was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and recovery has been slow. Ensuring that MSMEs receive adequate support to rebuild and thrive will be a priority. This includes addressing issues such as delayed payments, access to affordable credit, and the adoption of digital technologies.
Moreover, the implementation of policies that promote ease of doing business for MSMEs will be crucial. Simplifying regulatory frameworks and reducing bureaucratic hurdles can help small businesses operate more efficiently. Manjhi’s leadership will be key in driving these reforms and ensuring that the MSME sector contributes robustly to India’s economic resurgence.
Also read: Bank Credit to MSMEs Sees Significant Growth in April 2024
Karandlaje’s Role and Contributions
Shobha Karandlaje’s appointment as MoS in the Ministry of MSME and Labour and Employment brings another experienced leader to the team. Her background in social work and sociology, combined with her political experience, positions her well to address the challenges faced by the MSME sector and the labor market.
Karandlaje’s previous work on energy, women’s empowerment, and child development committees reflects her commitment to social issues. Her role in the MSME Ministry will likely involve a focus on labor welfare and ensuring that MSME workers receive fair treatment and opportunities for growth.
Conclusion
The appointments of Jitan Ram Manjhi as the MSME Minister and Shobha Karandlaje as the MoS for MSME and Labour and Employment mark a significant shift in the leadership of the MSME sector. With their extensive political backgrounds and commitment to public service, both leaders are poised to drive significant progress in supporting and empowering India’s small businesses. Their tenure will be watched closely as they navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, aiming to strengthen the backbone of India’s economy.