Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio during the eighth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly at NLA Hall, Kohima on March 10. (DIPR Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 10
Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio today stated that the State Government was fully aware of the challenges faced by Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in relation to access to credit, bank approvals and market linkages.
“The Department is actively coordinating with banks, District Industries Centres, and other stakeholders to address these issues and ensure timely support to entrepreneurs,” Dr Rio said in his concluding remarks on “Discussion on critical role of MSME in improving Nagaland's economy” at the ongoing 8th session of 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly in Kohima on March 10.
He assured that the Government will continue to focus on improving ease of doing business, strengthening financial support mechanisms, encouraging innovation, and promoting local enterprises “so that MSMEs can grow into sustainable and competitive businesses.”
The CM maintained that MSMEs plays a crucial role in employment generation and economic growth in the state.
As March 9, 2026, a total of 48,655 enterprises have been registered under the Udyam portal in the state. Out of these, 48,464 are Micro enterprises (Most of which is Nano Enterprises having turnover less than 25 lakhs), 175 are Small enterprises, and 16 are Medium enterprises.
777 MSMEs created under CMMF
Since inception, a total of 777 MSMEs have been created under Chief Minister's Micro Finance Initiative (CMMF) with a total project investment of 65.31 crores indicating significant leverage of Government subsidy to stimulate economic activity and credit linkage.
Dr Rio said that the MSME units created under the scheme have the potential to generate more than 1,500 direct employment opportunities, primarily through transport services, retail trade, hospitality businesses and small manufacturing units.
The Government subsidy of 19.37 crore in the MSME sector has generated a total investment of 65.31 crore into the local economy, producing a fiscal multiplier of roughly 3.3 times.
This indicates that public funds are effectively leveraging private investment and bank financing. These initiatives strengthen financial inclusion, encourage youth entrepreneurship outside government employment and stimulate rural economic activity. It also integrates first-generation entrepreneurs into the formal banking system, he said.
At present, 13 MSME development projects are under implementation in the State.
In addition, 15 new projects have been submitted to the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, for approval.
These projects aim to strengthen industrial infrastructure, promote cluster-based development, and improve the productivity and competitiveness of MSMEs in the State, the CM informed.
PMEGP targets 454 projects for the year 2025-26
The CM stated that Under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), the target for the year 2025-26 is 454 projects.
So far, 66 projects have been sanctioned by banks, and Rs 178.98 lakh of margin money has been claimed.
During the last five years, a total of 3,715 beneficiaries have been supported under the PMEGP scheme.
The State is also implementing several initiatives to strengthen the MSME ecosystem, including RAMP Programme (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance), which focuses on improving MSME competitiveness through capacity building, registration drives, and buyer-seller meets.
And also PM Vishwakarma Scheme, under which more than 25,000 artisan applications have been received, and training as well as financial assistance are being facilitated.
“Steps are also being taken to promote cluster-based development and value addition in sectors such as food processing, handicrafts, handloom, and agro-based industries, which have strong potential in the State. We are also looking into having provisions wherein some % of procurement of goods and services from our indigenous MSME enterprises by State Government Departments and agencies,” Dr Rio stated.
