In a significant step towards building a self-reliant local economy, the Jharsuguda district administration today launched the JSG SMILE (Jharsuguda Synergy for MSME Industry Linkage Ecosystem) portal.
The digital platform is designed to directly connect the district’s large industries with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women self-help groups (SHGs) and handicraft artisans, creating a transparent and robust marketplace.
The portal was inaugurated at the MCL Auditorium in Beheramal during a thematic workshop. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari was the chief guest. He was joined by Bargarh MP Shri Pradeep Purohit, Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy and District Collector Kunal Motiram Chavan.
Speaking at the event, Minister Suresh Pujari praised the initiative, saying, “This is a highly innovative and far-sighted effort to link Jharsuguda’s large industries with local MSMEs, SHGs and artisans. It will open new market opportunities for local entrepreneurs and women groups. I believe this will emerge as a successful model for the rest of Odisha.”
MP Pradeep Purohit highlighted the portal’s alignment with the central and state governments’ ‘Vocal for Local’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. “This unique initiative will help local entrepreneurs and women groups take their businesses forward while contributing to the district’s economic growth,” he said.
MLA Tankadhar Tripathy noted that the platform will strengthen coordination between small industries and large units, unlocking new possibilities for employment and self-employment. Collector Kunal Motiram Chavan explained that JSG SMILE aims to bridge the gap between large industries and local enterprises by creating a transparent digital marketplace. So far, 14 major industries and more than 100 MSMEs and SHGs have already registered on the platform.
In a historic moment, the first online purchase order was placed through the portal. TRL Krosaki Refractories Ltd. placed an order with local MSME Kosal Ceramics Pvt. Ltd. for refractory bricks, marking the beginning of direct business linkages between big industry and local manufacturers.
The portal has been developed by the District Administration and District Industry Centre, Jharsuguda, with technical support from Pugarch Technologies and sponsorship from Bandhan Bank.
District Industry Centre General Manager Arindam Pradhan thanked all stakeholders and expressed confidence that JSG SMILE will become a milestone in building an Atmanirbhar Jharsuguda.
Representatives from large industries, MSME entrepreneurs, women SHG members and artisans attended the event in large numbers.
