GANGTOK,: With the aim to facilitate active dialogue with policy makers and
help create conducive environment for the growth of MSMEs in Sikkim, the second
edition of the CII Sikkim MSME Conclave, with the theme ‘empowering MSMEs in
Sikkim’ was held in Gangtok on Wednesday.
The
conclave addressed important and relevant issues of concern pertaining to the
MSME sectors viz. technology, environment, infrastructure finance, MSME fund
facilitation etc.
Ministry
of MSME joint secretary and chief guest Mercy Epao urged the gathering to get
registered in the Ministry to MSME website, so that the entrepreneurs and MSMEs
become accessible to the MSME Ministry’s various schemes.
“Through
such programs we want to spread awareness about the various schemes and
policies of the Government of India. Around 24 crore people have become
employed under MSME, and one of the visions of Vikshit Bharat is to become no.
1 by 2047,” said Epao.
The
joint secretary further briefed on the different schemes and policies, special
schemes for the Northeast, training for MSMEs etc.
State
Commerce & Industries director Choden Gyatso expressed that the MSME sector
cannot be ignored as MSMEs have the potential of creating employment and
boosting the economy of Sikkim. She also highlighted the different MSME schemes
and policies of the State government, under the leadership of Chief Minister PS
Golay. She also informed that the State MSME policy is in the process, and is
undergoing approval by the State government.
State
Bank of Sikkim managing director Phurba Wangdi Bhutia expressed delight in
witnessing many entrepreneurs with different ideas emerging from Sikkim. He
urged them to come out of their comfort zones, if they want to succeed. He
informed that SBS funded 20000 entrepreneurs, out of which 50 per cent have
excelled in their business.
The
State government’s ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur’ policy was also highlighted.
The conclave
was a unique opportunity in having a multi-level approach to assist small
businesses in the NE Region, especially Sikkim, to understand the latest trends
in the business environment, marketing their products and services, act as a
platform to bring consultancy organizations, training institutes and agencies
to transact business with small enterprises.
The
focus of the session was financing and technology, ways to improve credit
rating and vendor development for sourcing opportunities.
The
resource persons for the technical session on ‘building future ready MSMEs
through competitiveness and financial empowerment’ were MSME director M Ravi
Kumar, Commerce & Industries director Choden Gyatso, AICSMU-TBI CEO Dr. Tej
Chingtham, SEED Cell CEO Dr. Raj Lama, North Eastern Development Finance
Corporative Ltd AGM Debarshi Bhattacharya and Small Industries Development Bank
of India manager and in-charge Ritvij Sharma.
The
welcome address was delivered by CII Sikkim State Council chairman Sony Virdi
and vote of thanks by CII Sikkim State Council co-chairman Sradha Sharma Rajan.
Also present was the Ministry of MSME NE HoD Shalini Thapa.
