PM Modi launches CHAMPIONS, read here what it is

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the technology platform CHAMPIONS here in the capital on Monday. CHAMPIONS is a technology platform for the MSMEs which stands for Creation and Harmonious Application of Modern Processes for Increasing the Output and National Strength. As the name suggests, the portal CHAMPIONS is basically for making the smaller units big by solving their grievances, encouraging, supporting, helping and handholding. It is a real one-stop-shop solution of MSME Ministry.

This ICT based system is set up to help the MSMEs presently in a difficult situation and also to handhold them to become national and international champions.

Detailed objectives of CHAMPIONS:

CHAMPIONS primarily will help in grievance redressal. To resolve the problems of MSMEs including those of finance, raw materials, labour, regulatory permissions etc particularly in the wake of difficulties created by COVID-19 situation. The platform will also help them capture new opportunities like manufacturing of medical equipments, and accessories like PPEs, masks, etc and supply them in National and International markets. Lastly, to identify and encourage the sparks,  i.e. the potential MSMEs who are able to withstand the current situation and can become national and international champions.

CHAMPIONS is a technology-backed control room-cum-management information system. In addition to ICT tools including telephone, internet and video conference, the system is enabled by Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics and Machine Learning. It is also fully integrated on a real-time basis with GOI's main grievances portal CPGRAMS and MSME Ministry's own other web-based mechanisms. The entire ICT architecture is created in house with the help of NIC in no cost. Similarly, the physical infrastructure is created in one of the ministry's dumping rooms in record time.

How does 'CHAMPIONS' work?

As part of the system, a network of control rooms is created in a Hub & Spoke Model. The Hub is situated in New Delhi in the Secretary MSME's office. The spokes are in the States in various offices and institutions of the MSME Ministry. As of now, 66 state-level control rooms are created and made functional. They have connected through video conference also in addition to the portal of Champions. A detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) has been issued to the officers and staff have been deployed and training has been conducted for them.