Hapania, June 27, 2024 — In a dedicated effort to bolster the state’s economic development, significant attention is being directed towards the growth of micro, small, and medium industries (MSMEs). This was emphasized by Industry and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma during the inauguration of the International Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Day program at Hampania International Exhibition Hall today.
Minister Chakma highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering self-reliance among the populace through the development of MSMEs. “Our goal is to develop the state’s economy and ensure the self-sufficiency of our people by harnessing the potential of micro, small, and medium industries,” said the Minister. She noted that comprehensive information about various state and central government projects for MSMEs is being disseminated to those involved in these industries. Utilizing these schemes effectively can significantly aid in the industrial growth of the state.
The event, organized by the Department of Industries and Commerce with support from the State Development and Facilitation Center of the Ministry of MSMEs, underscored the importance of MSMEs in the state’s economic landscape. International MSME Day, celebrated globally on June 27, aims to highlight the crucial role these enterprises play in economic development and job creation.
As of June 2024, the state has registered 58,743 industrial establishments under the MSME Udyam scheme, with 57,725 classified as micro, 949 as small, and 69 as medium industries.
Director of the Industry and Commerce Department Vishwashri B revealed that approximately 3 lakh MSMEs are registered across the North Eastern states, with 35 percent operated entirely by women. He also mentioned the central government’s recent approval of Tk 65 crore for MSME development under the RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) scheme.
During the event, it was announced that 10,945 individuals have been approved for training in various fields under the PM Vishwakarma project, with 2,754 already trained. The project offers loans of up to Rs 1 lakh at 5 percent interest in the first phase, with 36 individuals in the state having benefited so far. Five beneficiaries of this scheme were honored at the event.
Additional Director Swapna Debnath and Deputy Director Sohanlal Khalia also addressed the gathering. The program’s second phase featured training sessions for delegates from various self-help groups on setting up new industries and navigating the state and central government schemes.
