Thoubal: A two day development programme (VDP) kicked off on Monday at the Salungpham Kangyambem Community Hall, Thoubal District under the Raising & Acceleration of MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme. The function was organised by Directorate of Commerce & Industries, Manipur in collaboration with District Industries Centre (DIC),Thoubal.
Designated Officer, Food Safety Administration, Thoubal Yumnam Satyajeet Singh in his address, focussed on the importance of food safety, hygiene and compliance in ensuring the quality and safety of products, particularly for food related enterprises.
Highlighting on the focus area of the RAMP scheme, Resource person Amow Ngaopuo said that women SHGs can avail of the benefits of the scheme and get subsidies from the Government. He also delivered a session on the RAMP programme and its ongoing schemes. He explained about the 2% annual interest subvention scheme for women owned MSMEs and the Logistics Strengthening Scheme that provides re-imbursement of about one –third of the eligible transportation costs.
General Manager DIC Thoubal Oinam Deben highlighted on the importance of the VDP and Udyam Registration in supporting MSMEs.He also referred to the branding and packaging programmes conducted earlier, noting their role in improving entrepreneurs’ knowledge of branding, product presentation and the associated business benefits. Kouna craft can be described as a product having a distinct identity and indegenious of Thoubal amongst the various product the VDPs of Manipur, he also added.
District Informatics Officer Sapam Lalhari spoke on the importance of e-commerce and the Government e-marketplace, explaining how digital platforms can help MSMEs expand their market reach and access new business opportunities.
There was a technical session that covers topics on government support schemes, business development , logistics assistance, digital commerce and opportunities for MSMEs to strengthen their competitiveness.
Stalls of all kinds of handlooms and handicraft items of Manipur were opened during the programme.
It may be mentioned that the primary goal of the programme is to establish a dynamic market platform that will bridge the gap between local producers, MSMEs, Self-Help Groups provides training,expert support, business development services to help sellers improve their capabilities, register on procurement platforms and secure real purchase orders.
District Mission Manager MSRLM R,K, Nikita, Project Manager Handlooms Anuradha Rajkumari Consultant Grant Thornton Konthoujam Robinson also chaired the dais at the function as presidium members.
Officials and staff of DIC, Thoubal and various SHGs of the district took part in the programme.
