Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Mr. Kalraj Mishra today said that the centre recognizes the important role played by the micro, small and medium enterprises in generating employment, spurring manufacturing growth, industrialization of backward areas, and increasing exports. <br/><br/>The Minister inaugurated ASPIRE- a Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industry & Entrepreneurship in Mumbai today.Addressing a press conference following the launch of the scheme, Mr. Mishra said ASPIRE is one of the key steps to give the MSME sector a boost. <br/><br/>He informed that the scheme aims to promote start-ups in rural areas, and the centre has given a corpus of Rupees 210 crore for the scheme. The Minister further informed that the scheme seeks to set up a network of technology and incubation centres to accelerate entrepreneurship and also to promote start-ups for innovation and entrepreneurship in rural and agriculture based industry. <br/><br/>Mishra also said the planned outcomes of ASPIRE also include creation of a Fund for such initiatives with Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). SIDBI Chairman & Managing Director Dr. Kshatrapati Shivaji, Joint Secretary Ministry of MSME B. H. Anil Kumar were also present on the occasion.