In an attempt to ensure effective and meaningful economic growth of women entrepreneurs and for recognizing the vital role, the state government has intensified efforts to promote micro, small, and medium industries. Industry and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma emphasized this during the inauguration of the International Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day program at the Hapania International Exhibition Hall on Thursday.
Addressing the program, Minister Chakma highlighted the importance of disseminating accurate information about state and central government projects related to industry development. The event, organized by the Department of Industries and Commerce in collaboration with the State Development and Facilitation Centre of the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Industries, aimed to empower industry stakeholders with knowledge about available government schemes.
Minister Chakma revealed that as of June 2024, a total of 58,743 industrial establishments have registered under the MSME Udyam scheme in the state. Of these, 57,725 are micro, 949 are small, and 69 are medium-sized industries. Praising the contribution of women to the state’s economic development, Chakma noted that “35 percent of registered MSMEs in the state are led by women entrepreneurs.”
Director of the Industry and Commerce Department, Vishwashri B, shared that the North Eastern states collectively house approximately 3 lakh registered micro, small, and medium industries, with 35 percent of these enterprises led by women entrepreneurs. She also mentioned that the central government recently sanctioned Rs 65 crore for MSME sector development in the state through the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme.
Under the PM Vishwakarma project, 10,945 individuals have been approved for training across various fields, with 2,754 already completing their training. “The scheme offers trainees loans of up to Rs 1 lakh in the initial phase at a nominal 5 percent interest rate. To date, 36 beneficiaries in the state have availed themselves of this opportunity,” she said.
Industry and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, along with other dignitaries, felicitated five successful beneficiaries during the day’s event. Additional Director of the Industries and Commerce Department, Sapna Debnath, and Deputy Director of the State Development and Facilitation Centre, Sohan Lal Khalia, also addressed the gathering.
In the second phase of the program, delegates from self-help groups received training on processes related to setting up new industries and explored various state and central government schemes.
