One-Day Awareness Programme on State and Central Government Schemes held at G.P.K Hall in Rongay
Gangtok, February 16 (IPR):
A one-day awareness programme on various State and Central Government schemes was organised today at G.P.K Hall, Rongay, by the District Industries Centre (Gangtok) under the Commerce and Industries Department in collaboration with the Sikkim Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (SEED) Cell. The programme was graced by Area MLA-cum-Advisor, Forest Department, Mr Tenzing Norbu Lamtha, as the Chief Guest and Chairperson, Sports Development Board, Mr Rinzing Wangyal Chopel, as the Guest of Honour.
In his keynote address, Mr Lamtha expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, for initiating the incubation of SEED Cell in 2020 and for providing a platform for entrepreneurs to establish and expand their businesses. He stated that such programmes are organised to bring governance closer to the people and highlighted that the schemes are beneficial, particularly for unemployed youth. Stressing the need for a mindset shift, he addressed the misconception that businesses cannot prosper in the State, citing examples of entrepreneurs who have successfully scaled local ventures.
He encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to leverage their geographic location to supply goods to urban markets, citing the example of a Self Help Group cultivating mushrooms for city supply. He advised beneficiaries to invest time and patience in building their enterprises rather than seeking immediate returns, urging them to take calculated risks for long-term success. He further cited instances of large-scale dairy and poultry farming in the constituency made possible through risk-taking initiatives and concluded by reiterating the Chief Minister’s vision of “One Family, One Entrepreneur” as a viable response to unemployment in the State.
Officer on Special Duty, Commerce and Industries Department, Mr Dipen Subba, highlighted the role of SEED Cell in offering entrepreneurs exposure to national and international markets. He advocated a shift away from exclusive dependence on government employment towards entrepreneurship and job creation. He noted that Entrepreneurship Development Cells in schools and colleges are fostering this mindset among students. He cited examples of two women entrepreneurs from Khamdong-Singtam and Martam-Rumtek constituencies who were facilitated with cafeterias at Topakhani through SEED Cell. Concluding his address, he shared the inspiring story of Arunima Sinha, a former national-level volleyball player who became the first female amputee to scale Mount Everest on May 21, 2013, after losing her leg in a train accident in 2011, and later went on to conquer all Seven Summits.
Deputy Director, Commerce and Industries, Mr Janak Chettri, delivered a presentation on the UNNATI scheme, explaining that it promotes industrial growth through incentives for new and expanding manufacturing and service units. He detailed provisions such as a 30 percent capital investment subsidy, interest subvention of three to five percent on loans, and GST incentives to encourage entrepreneurship across the North Eastern region.
Junior Engineer, Commerce and Industries, Mr Norbu Lepcha, presented on the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme, a central scheme aimed at promoting self-employment through micro-enterprises. He informed that it provides subsidies ranging from 15 to 35 percent on bank loans for new ventures, with project cost ceilings of ₹50 lakh for manufacturing and ₹20 lakh for service sectors.
Legal Consultant, RAMP-ODR, Ms Tanushree Thapa, outlined the Online Dispute Resolution mechanism for Micro and Small Enterprises, designed to address delayed payment issues and ensure timely resolution for MSEs.
Manager, State Bank of Sikkim (Chongay Branch), Mr P K Tamang, briefed participants on the bank’s recently launched partnership with M-Swasth, which aims to improve healthcare access by offering basic health check-ups and OPD medicines for common ailments directly to customers.
The final presentation was delivered by Associate Consultant, RAMP, Mr Prem Chettri, covering RAMP, PM Vishwakarma Scheme, GeM Portal, PAN, and GST procedures. Testimonials were also shared by local entrepreneurs who have benefited from State and Central Government initiatives.
The programme concluded with an interactive session between resource persons and participants.
The welcome address was delivered by State Organisation Secretary, SEED Cell, Mr Tashi Ongdup Lepcha, while the vote of thanks was proposed by District Coordinator, SEED Cell, Mr Bikash Sharma.
Also present were OSD to MLA Syari, Ms Subarna Pradhan; Zilla Panchayat member, Mr Lakpa Tshering Kargay; Panchayat members; Assistant Director, Rural Development Department, Mr Mingyur Bhutia; senior officials of the Commerce and Industries Department; members of SEED Cell; SHGs; and other stakeholders.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK