Six MITRA Initiatives To Boost Indian Community's Socioeconomic Development - MAICCI

KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) -- The Startup Accelerator Grant Assistance Programme (Uyarvu MADANI), one of six initiatives under the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA), can help B40 and M40 Indian entrepreneurs expand their businesses, according to the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI).

Its president Datuk Seri N. Gobalakrishnan said the programme provides phased grant assistance to Indian entrepreneurs in the two income categories.

"The programme provides start-up capital, technical support and access to commercial networks as well as industry mentors, and MAICCI will help ensure that Uyarvu MADANI grants are channelled to business owners in the B40 and M40 categories," he said in a statement today.

He also welcomed the six initiatives under MITRA announced by Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan last Friday, involving a government allocation of RM65.5 million.

According to him, the initiatives encompass various programmes aimed at empowering the Indian community, including financing incentives, skills training and market access.

"MAICCI is committed to working with business chambers and stakeholders to maximise the impact of these programmes on Indian entrepreneurs," he said.

Gobalakrishnan said the phased approach to disbursing assistance, coupled with performance monitoring and evaluation, would help ensure greater transparency in the use of funds and the achievement of targeted objectives.

In addition, he said MAICCI welcomed other initiatives announced by MITRA covering education, human capital development, healthcare, welfare and community development, which are expected to benefit the Indian community.

Meanwhile, MAICCI secretary-general Tharchanaa M. S. Pandian said investment in education through programmes such as Celik MADANI and Kalvi MADANI would help improve access to quality education for the younger generation.

"The Arogya MADANI and Thunai MADANI programmes, meanwhile, can help ease the burden of those in need and improve the well-being of the community," he said.

-- BERNAMA