Advisor Mhathung Yanthan with other dignitaries and officials during the World MSME Day observed at conference hall, Nagaland Civil Secretariat in Kohima on June 27. (DIPR Photo)
Launches RAMP portal, signs MoU with QCI for MSME growth
Kohima, June 27 (MExN): The Department of Industries and Commerce, Nagaland, organised an event to mark World MSME Day at the conference hall, New Secretariat Complex, Kohima, on June 27.
Mhathung Yanthan, Advisor for Agriculture, Government of Nagaland, attended as the special guest, stated a DIPR report. In his address, the Advisor emphasised the vast entrepreneurial potential of MSMEs in agriculture and horticulture sector. He noted improvements in product quality and packaging but stressed the need to scale up. He urged conducting local workshops, translating schemes into local languages, and setting up MSME facilitation centres at KVKs and DICs. Key priorities included mapping district strengths, building clusters, easing finance access, and promoting digital marketing.
Yanthan also called for integrating with other schemes, partnering with FPOs/FPCs, and empowering women and youth. He affirmed Nagaland’s potential to lead in youth-driven entrepreneurship for a Viksit Bharat.
Addressing the gathering, Kumar Ramnikant, IAS, Secretary for Industries & Commerce, spoke about the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) programme, a World Bank-supported initiative by the Government of India aimed at strengthening the MSME sector. He elaborated on the key focus areas of the RAMP programme in Nagaland, which include capacity building of MSMEs, improving market access by promoting indigenous products under the “Make in Nagaland” initiative, supporting competitiveness and green finance initiatives, enhancing access to finance and markets through expert interactions, and driving institutional development through Management Development Programs (MDPs) and targeted training sessions.
The event highlighted several pivotal developments, including the launch of the RAMP Nagaland Portal and the revamped department website, designed to provide MSMEs with enhanced resources and support. Additionally, iGOT User Manual for Nagaland was unveiled, offering a comprehensive guide for government employees to effectively utilize the Integrated Government Online Training platform.
It is to be noted that the Department of Industries & Commerce is the first government department from Nagaland to onboard 220 officers from the state into the iGOT portal for online training and capacity building.
Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Government of Nagaland and Quality Council of India (QCI) represented by Manish Vashistha, Deputy Director, QCI, aimed at elevating quality standards and fostering excellence across various sectors, including industry and commerce, within the state. With this MoU, the ZED and LEAN Certification for manufacturing MSMEs from Nagaland is expected to be boosted significantly under the RAMP programme.
The programme was chaired by Kvulo Lorin, Chairman of the Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation (NIDC). Director, Industries & Commerce, P Tokugha Sema delivered the concluding remarks.
Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017, World MSME Day is observed annually on June 27 to recognise the crucial role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in job creation, innovation, and inclusive economic development. Globally, MSMEs constitute over 90% of businesses, contribute to more than 50% of employment, and account for up to 40% of GDP in emerging economies.
