Flipkart on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maharashtra Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (MSSIDC) and Maharashtra State Khadi & Village Industries Board (MSKVIB). This MoU will bring local artisans, weavers, craftsmen and SMBs of the State into the 'e-commerce fold'.

The MoU to onboard local artisans and entities on the company's flagship initiativeFlipkart Samarth was signed in the presence of Industries Minister Subhash Desai and Minister of State, Industries, Aditi Tatkare.

The partnership under the Flipkart Samarthprogram will enable Maharashtra's local artisans, weavers and smaller industries to showcase their hallmark products like Khadi, Paithani sarees, wooden toys, handmade artefacts, jewellery, paper products and purses to millions across the country. This initiative will add impetus to the government's '#Vocal for Local' efforts.

Flipkart Samarth is a nationwide initiative which aims to help skilled, local artisan communities set up their business on the Flipkart Marketplace in an efficient, transparent and cost-effective manner.

The program seeks to break entry barriers for local artisans by extending time-bound incubation support, which includes benefits in the form of seamless onboarding, free cataloguing, marketing, account management, business insights and warehousing support. This program will create avenues to increase business and trade inclusion opportunities for the crucial segments of society.

Subhash Desai, Minister for Industries & Mining, Government of Maharashtra, said, "MSMEs play a huge role in boosting the economy of the State and are vital to the State's socio-economic development. In the post-COVID-19 era, we explored revolutionary measures to get better market opportunities and empowering the handicrafts and handlooms industry."

Aditi Tatkare, Minister of State - Industries, Government of Maharashtra, said, "Partnerships like these will give more impetus to Khadi & Village Industries to scale up and generate livelihood opportunities."

Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group, said, "We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with MSSIDC and MSKVIB to enhance social and commercial development of local artisans, weavers and smaller industries while bringing the heritage of the State on the platform. E-commerce can play an integral role in the growth of MSMEs across the country by giving them national market access to 300 million customers that shop on our platform."

"Flipkart Samarth is a cherished initiative that provides these businesses with the necessary support, and we hope to continue reaching more such local businesses to help them reap the benefits of e-commerce," he added.