Namchi, 18 February (IPR): An awareness programme on various State and Central Government MSME schemes was organised by the District Industries Centre, Namchi, Commerce & Industries Department, in collaboration with the Sikkim Entrepreneurship & Economic Development Cell at Aitabarey Square Hall, Yangang, today.
The programme aimed to create a supportive ecosystem for unemployed youth, aspiring entrepreneurs and existing entrepreneurs by facilitating access to Government resources, funding opportunities, online marketing platforms and expert guidance to help them realise their business and career aspirations.
While addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest and Chairman of Sikkim IFFCO Organics Limited, Mr R K Basnet, urged the participants to gain both brief and detailed knowledge of the various schemes being implemented by the concerned departments. He advised the attendees to consult officials in advance so as to improve their prospects of success in entrepreneurial ventures.
The Chief Guest further highlighted the functioning of the enterprise, stating that it works towards ensuring fair prices for large cardamom, ginger, turmeric and buckwheat farmers for their produce. He added that the organisation had successfully exported ginger to Gulf and European markets during the previous year. Emphasising the importance of financial independence, he encouraged the youth to focus on self-reliance through entrepreneurship.
Advisor to the Department of Food Processing Industries, Mr C L Gurung, lauded the efforts of the department and the Cell in organising the awareness programme on key State and Central Government MSME schemes aimed at promoting entrepreneurship. He urged the participants to disseminate the knowledge gained to their peers and motivate young people to adopt entrepreneurship as a viable source of livelihood.
The Advisor also spoke on the Prime Minister’s Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme launched under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan initiative. He stated that the scheme provides a 35 per cent credit-linked subsidy for upgrading food processing units under the One District One Product (ODOP) approach. He further informed that plans are underway to establish a Food Testing Facility in the State at Yangang. Drawing from his previous visit to Kerala, he suggested that Self-Help Groups and local farmers may be encouraged to supply local produce for mid-day meals.
In his keynote address, the President of the SEED Cell Dr Raj Lama, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, for his continued support to the Cell and for the Government’s efforts in promoting entrepreneurship across the State. Reiterating the Chief Minister’s vision of a self-reliant and self-sufficient society, he stated that the Cell serves as a guiding platform for aspiring entrepreneurs and supports them in their entrepreneurial journeys. He further encouraged the youth to explore diverse business opportunities and entrepreneurial prospects.
Sharing his personal experiences, he stated that ventures backed by sound research and planning often lead to financial stability and that success stories create a positive impact on aspiring entrepreneurs. He concluded by urging the participants to utilise the knowledge gained during the programme to develop entrepreneurial ideas and to further disseminate this information among their peers.
Presentations on the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), UNNATI (Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialisation) and the PM Vishwakarma Scheme were delivered by Inspectors (C&ID) Mr Prajwal Rai and Mr Ajay Singh Tamang. An interactive session was also conducted, during which queries raised by the participants regarding the schemes were addressed.
The programme was attended by Panchayat Presidents and members from Rangang–Yangang and Sripatam–Gagyong GPUs, OSD to the MLA Ms Denkila Bhutia, OSD (Agriculture) Mr Som Bahadur Rai, APM (SRLM) Ms Sarita Pokhrel, Organisation Secretary (SEED Cell) Mr Tashi Ongdup Lepcha, Treasurer (SEED Cell) Mr Mahesh Dawari, Coordinator Gangtok District (SEED Cell) Mr Bikash Sharma, Joint Coordinator Namchi District (SEED Cell) Mr Avinash Poudyal, along with other dignitaries and members of the local public.
Report From DIO Namchi