suparjya swain 
FEATURE: In a nation where small enterprises form the backbone of economic resilience, Odisha’s silent industrial evolution tells a powerful story—one rooted not in headlines, but in consistent groundwork and empathetic leadership. At the centre of this transformation stands Shri P.K. Gupta, Joint Director and Head of Office at the MSME Development Institute (MSME-DI), Cuttack. With over four decades of tireless public service, Shri P.K. Gupta has emerged as one of the most influential figures in nurturing and shaping Odisha’s vast and diverse MSME ecosystem.
The MSME sector in Odisha, now home to nearly 4.5 lakh registered enterprises employing over 17 lakh individuals, has seen a remarkable journey. This sector, which contributes significantly to the state’s economy, is a critical pillar of employment outside the agricultural sector. Much of its structured growth and accessibility owes itself to the vision and execution of the MSME-DI under Shri P.K. Gupta’s stewardship. Far from being just a government office, the institute has transformed into a catalyst of change—handholding entrepreneurs, demystifying policy, facilitating finance, and enabling technological integration in some of the remotest parts of the state.
Shri P.K. Gupta’s leadership is defined not by grand gestures but by his methodical, people-first approach. He has brought a rare sensitivity to public administration, ensuring that government schemes don’t merely exist on paper but are accessible, adaptable, and impactful on the ground. His work spans across enterprise creation, capacity building, market linkage, and innovation—building an ecosystem where micro and small enterprises not only survive, but thrive. In fact, the MSME sector has contributed around 29% to India’s GDP and 48% of the country’s total exports. It has created over 63 million jobs nationally, providing livelihoods for millions, with Odisha’s 4.49 lakh MSMEs employing around 16.92 lakh individuals.
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the healthcare infrastructure was under immense stress, Shri P.K. Gupta’s foresight came to the fore. He played a critical role in transferring the Oxygen Enrichment Unit (OEU) technology developed by CSIR-CMERI to MSMEs in Odisha. This timely move allowed local enterprises to manufacture essential healthcare equipment, addressing a public emergency while creating new business avenues for small manufacturers. It was a masterclass in responsive governance—where administrative agility met technological innovation with human urgency.
This wasn’t a one-off. Shri P.K. Gupta has long championed the infusion of innovation into grassroots entrepreneurship. By forging links between MSMEs and premier institutions like IITs and CSIR labs, he has facilitated the adoption of advanced, affordable technologies in sectors like food processing, packaging, mechanical servicing, and agro-based industries. His efforts have enabled small businesses to move up the value chain, become quality-conscious, and compete in wider markets.
Recognising that market access is as vital as production, Shri P.K. Gupta introduced Plant-Level Advisory Committee (PLAC) meetings with major public sector undertakings. These structured dialogues have helped MSMEs understand procurement requirements, improve standards, and become registered vendors for large buyers. For many small enterprises, this opened up opportunities that were previously out of reach, giving them a foothold in national and institutional supply chains.
Another major milestone has been in enterprise formalisation. Following the launch of the Udyam Registration portal, the MSME-DI Cuttack, under Shri P.K. Gupta’s guidance, launched state-wide awareness drives, digital literacy camps, and localised support sessions. Thousands of micro-entrepreneurs, many from rural and tribal backgrounds, were brought into the formal fold—granting them access to credit, subsidies, training programs, and government tenders. This quiet revolution has been instrumental in reducing the informality that once plagued the sector.
But perhaps the most human aspect of Shri P.K. Gupta’s leadership lies in his work with women entrepreneurs. Understanding the unique challenges faced by women in rural and semi-urban areas, he actively promoted the creation of Common Facility Centres (CFCs) in women-dominated trades like food processing, wellness, and handcrafts. These centres offer shared infrastructure, skilling modules, and market connections, enabling women-led enterprises to flourish without the burden of high capital investment. For many women, these CFCs have been the first step toward financial independence and social mobility.
Throughout his career, Shri P.K. Gupta has remained a true institution builder—steadfast, innovative, and deeply invested in the people he serves. His colleagues describe him as meticulous and mission-driven; entrepreneurs recall him as approachable, solution-oriented, and unwavering in his support. He has been more than a bureaucrat; he has been a mentor, a bridge, and often, the quiet voice of encouragement behind countless success stories.
As India aims to become a global economic powerhouse with MSMEs as its engine of growth, Odisha stands out as a state where this vision is taking root meaningfully. The MSME sector in India, with 63 million enterprises, is projected to continue playing a leading role in job creation and export growth. The man behind much of this groundwork, Shri P.K. Gupta, exemplifies how transformational leadership doesn’t always come with fanfare. Sometimes, it arrives in the form of quiet consistency, deep empathy, and a lifelong commitment to service.
