Mangan, September 10 (IPR): The District Industries Centre (DIC), Mangan, under the Department of Commerce and Industries, in collaboration with the Sikkim Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Cell (SEED Cell), organised a one day awareness programme on various Central and State schemes at Singhik Sentam GPK Hall, Mangan, today.
The programme aimed to create a supportive ecosystem for unemployed youth, aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners by providing them with information on government facilities, financial assistance, online marketing platforms and mentorship, enabling them to achieve their business and career goals.
The event was graced by Chairperson, State Medicinal Board, Forest Department, Mr Sonam Gyatso Lachenpa, as the chief guest.
The day began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome address from the District Coordinator of SEED Cell, Mangan District, Mr Tashi Ongdup Lepcha.
The General Manager of DIC, Gangtok and Mangan District, Mr Prakash Rai, spoke on the role of the District Industries Centre, explaining its objectives, functions and initiatives to promote entrepreneurship, support local industries and generate employment opportunities.
The keynote address was delivered by Secretary of the Central Executive Committee, SEED Cell, Mr Mahesh Sharma, who highlighted the importance of the DIC in promoting MSMEs, providing financial support, skill development and guidance through government schemes. He encouraged the youth to make full use of these opportunities.
This was followed by presentations on several central government schemes:
•PMEGP was explained by Inspector, DIC Gangtok, Ms Suvarna Mukhia, who highlighted loan provisions, subsidy support, eligibility conditions and shared success stories from the state.
•UNNATI was presented by Deputy Director, DIC Gangtok, Mr Janak Chettri, who spoke on skill development, capacity building and financial aid to support youth in starting their own businesses.
•PM Vishwakarma was introduced by SLPMU, Mr Prem Chettri, who explained its support for traditional artisans through recognition, training, modern tools, credit and marketing assistance.
•Udyam Registration, FSSAI, Digital
Marketing, ONDC, GeM and e-commerce platforms were discussed by JE, DIC Gangtok, Mr Norbu Lepcha, who explained their importance for MSMEs and guided participants on using digital platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart to expand their market reach.
Additionally, CLC President, Mr Pawluse Tamang, encouraged youth to not solely depend on government jobs but to use their own ideas to start businesses, sharing lessons from his personal experience.
An interactive question and answer session followed, where the participants queries were clarified by the resource persons.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman, Mr Sonam Gyatso Lachenpa, stressed that opportunities extend beyond government employment. He motivated the youth to be innovative, self reliant and to look at entrepreneurship as a way of creating opportunities for themselves and others.
The programme was attended by Panchayat Presidents and members of Singhik Sentam GPU, Ringhim Nampatam GUP and Tong Naga GOU, also the staff and officials of the organising department.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Panchayat President of Singhik Sentam, Ms Phurkit Lepcha.