International MSME Day focuses on economic development and self-reliance

The International Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day was marked with a special event at the Hapania International Exhibition Hall.

The event was inaugurated by   Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma. Emphasizing the significant role of MSMEs in the state's economic growth, Minister Chakma highlighted the government's commitment to fostering these industries to promote economic development and self-reliance. During the event, Minister Chakma discussed various state and central government schemes designed to support the growth of MSMEs.

 These initiatives aim to provide extensive information and resources to help industries take full advantage of government opportunities. The event, organized with the assistance of the Ministry of  Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, underscored the importance  of MSMEs, with 27 June being celebrated globally as  International MSME Day.

 As of June 2024, the state has 58,743 registered industrial establishments under the MSME Udyam scheme, including 57,725 micro, 949 small, and 69 medium industries. Director of the Industry and Commerce Department, Vishwasree B, noted that approximately 3 lakh MSMEs are registered in the North Eastern states, with 35 percent of these industries being women-led.  He also announced that the central government has recently sanctioned Rs. 65 crore for MSME development in the state under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme. Additionally, it was reported that 10,945 individuals have been approved for training in various fields under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, with 2,754 already trained. The scheme provides trainees with loans of up to Rs 1 lakh at a 5 percent interest rate in the first phase, and so far, 36 people in the state have received loans under this initiative.

 Minister Chakma and other guests welcomed five beneficiaries who have availed loans under the scheme. Speeches were also delivered by Additional Director of Industries and Commerce Department Swapna Debnath and Deputy Director of the State Development and Facilitation Centre Sohanlal Khalia.

 The second phase of the program included training sessions for delegates from various self-help groups on the processes of  setting  up new industries and the various schemes offered  by state and central governments.