Senapati: A one-day District-Level Stakeholders’ Consultative Meeting-cum-Workshop on the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Programme was successfully held today at Mao Poumai Catholic Women Hall, Senapati. The programme was organised by the District Industries and Commerce, Senapati, in collaboration with the MSME Health Clinic, Manipur to bolster the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Delivering the keynote address, Amow Ngaopuo, Export Promotion Expert, MSME Health Clinic, Manipur, stated that the MSME sector is the backbone of the economy, particularly in districts like Senapati where local entrepreneurship holds immense potential. He highlighted the MSME Health Clinic, launched in January 2026 under the RAMP Programme and implemented by MANIDCO with the Government of Manipur approval, as a vital resources for businesses experiencing operational stress by identifying challenges and providing expert guidance along with institutional linkages.
He noted that initiatives such as the RAMP Programme are instrumental in strengthening the sector by addressing key challenges, including Financial and Compliances issues, Logistics and operational hurdles, Market access and technological gaps. Entrepreneurs were encouraged to connect with domain experts and access support through the MSME helpline and digital platforms such as Facebook, Instagram under the name RAMP Manipur email- ramp.msme.mnhc@gmail.com, and toll-free no.- +91-0385-3554222.
Emphasising the importance of the consultative meeting, he stated that the platform brings together key stakeholders, including government departments, financial institutions, entrepreneurs, and NGOs, particularly those working in microfinance. Such interactions, he noted, help bridge existing gaps, enhance coordination, and facilitate easier access to schemes and benefits, ensuring smoother implementation.
He expressed his confidence concluded that the workshop would significantly contribute to strengthening the MSME ecosystem in Senapati and beyond, calling for collective efforts to build a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient entrepreneurial environment. He encouraged participants to actively engage in the technical sessions to gain deeper insights into these schemes.
Speaking at the programme, Nenia Florence, Lead District Manager, Senapati, provided a detailed overview of the RAMP Programme. She explained that the initiative was introduced by the Government of India under the Ministry of MSME in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic to support MSMEs affected by lockdowns by enhancing market access, improving credit availability, and promoting sound business practices.
She noted that the initial phase involved a district- wide Udyam registration drive together with the District Industries Centre (DIC) and the Lead Bank Office to ensure all local units possess a formal identity for MSME units.
The District Lead Manager also elaborated on the 2% interest subvention scheme for women entrepreneurs under the RAMP Programme. To be eligible, women must hold at least 51% ownership in the MSME unit, which must be registered under Udyam and have an active, standard (non-NPA) loan—such as term, working capital, or composite loans. The scheme applies to loans disbursed between July 2022 and March 2027.
She further clarified that MSMEs already availing benefits under other government schemes such as PMEGP, PM SVANidhi, or CMESS are not eligible, whereas loans under schemes like Mudra and Stand-Up India qualify for the subvention.
The scheme will be operational for two financial years—2025–26 and 2026–27—and was officially launched by the Government of Manipur in March 2026. It will remain in effect until March 2027.
She urged bank branches in the district to proactively implement the scheme to ensure that all eligible women entrepreneurs can avail its benefits.
In the technical session, Dahiiru Ngade, Scheme Navigation Expert, MMHC and K. Saza, Technology and DPR Expert, MMHC presented on Interest Subvention for Women- Owned MSMEs and Logistics Strengthening for MSMEs respectively. The presenstations was followed by an interactive’s session between local entrepreneurs and the expert panel.
The programme was attended by Shylock Taishya, President, Senapati Entrepreneurs’ Association, alongside with DIC Senapati staffs, Bank officials, various local NGO representatives and local entrepreneurs.
