MSME Ministry Holds Awareness Camp And Vendor Programme In Dimapur

The programme drew more than 300 aspiring and existing entrepreneurs from Nagaland and was supported by the state government and the Business Association of Nagas. Senior officials present included S C L Das, Secretary, Ministry of MSME; Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary; and L Mongkum Jamir, President, Business Association of Nagas. NSIC outlined the public procurement framework and stakeholders engaged directly with entrepreneurs.

Officials said the public procurement policy mandates four per cent procurement from SC/ST owned micro and small enterprises and three per cent from women micro and small enterprises, and that the NSSH scheme is creating an inclusive ecosystem. They described financial assistance, infrastructure support and market linkage measures under ministry schemes and highlighted that the MSME sector is the second largest employer after agriculture, contributing more than 31 per cent to India's GDP, 35 per cent to manufacturing output and 46 per cent in exports. The ministry noted that more than 0.78 million (mn) MSMEs are registered on the Udyam portal, providing employment to more than 340 million (mn) people.

Technical sessions brought together CPSEs, the MSME-DFO, financial institutions and banks to explain vendor empanelment, financing and procurement procedures and to address quality standards. Officials emphasised the role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in creating business opportunities and employment for youth and women. The programme was presented as part of the government's commitment to strengthen SC/ST entrepreneurship through coordinated implementation and improved outreach. Participants were encouraged to pursue registrations and vendor development opportunities.