18/10/2024
Awareness programme to empower and uplift rural communities.
The Commerce and Industries Department, Government of Sikkim, organised a one-day awareness cm workshop programme under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme at the conference hall of Block Administrative Centre, Rhenock, today.
The primary goal of the programme was to create awareness on various schemes, including the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialisation Scheme (UNNATI), Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP), PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME), Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), PM Vishwakarma, Skilled Youth Start-up Scheme (SYSS), PAN, GST while ensuring that the benefits of the schemes reach every rural region and help women entrepreneurs.
Addressing the gathering, Ms Prabha Pradhan, Zilla Upadhakshya and the Chief Guest of the day encouraged the participants to take advantage of the central and state government schemes and effectively implement the training course to create high-quality products. She also commended the efforts of the beneficiaries in starting their businesses. Further, she emphasised the importance of using social media as a platform to promote and showcase their products.
Ms Bimla Chettri, AD MSME underscored the entrepreneurship opportunities available in the state and the significant employment potential within the MSME sector. She touched upon various central and state schemes aimed at fostering employment.
In addition, Ms Chettri apprised them on the PMEGP scheme and its eligibility criteria, further facilitating all the attendees to take advantage of the support and resources offered by the department to elevate their economic status and achieve financial independence.
Mr Bhim Prasad Dulal, Block Incharge SLRM RDD, discussed the challenges and achievements of SHGs in the block. He emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts and urged to utilise the schemes to generate employment and produce high-quality products.
Likewise, Ms Pinkeyla Lepcha, Resource Person from MSME, briefly explained the RAMP scheme and its criteria. She mentioned that the scheme provides various facilities, including capacity-building training, awareness programmes and exposure trips, which further help in building business linkage.
Subsequently, Mr Prem Chettri, SLPMU PM Vishwakarma, provided detailed information about the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, which covers various trades including tailoring, cobbling, sculpting, goldsmithing, and blacksmithing. He also explained the support for capacity building and the availability of collateral-free loans under the scheme. In addition, he provided information on the eligibility criteria and documentation process necessary to access its benefits.
Additionally, Ms Tushara Sharma, Resource Person MSME, elaborated on the PMFME scheme and explained its features and criteria. She further informed about the subsidies and financial grants for the marketing and branding of microprocessing food enterprises.
Ms Preetha TB, SVEP Mentor, SSRLM, informed the participants about the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), which aims to build entrepreneurship and employment in rural areas and uplift the SHGs in the region.
Furthermore, Mr Tianl Islam Chowdhury, RAMP, Commerce and Industries Department, underscored the capacity-building programmes, marketing and branding, and export promotion assistance available under the RAMP Scheme. He emphasised registering in the Udyam portal to bring ease to business, further urging to focus on the quantity and quality of products for better market opportunities.
A day also witnessed an interactive session wherein participants shared their experiences and put forth their queries, which were effectively addressed by the officials.
Also present were Panchayats, BDO Rhenock along with officials from various line departments and participants.