The two-day Nagaland International Conference on Tourism, Transport & Logistics (NICTTL), organized by the Business Association of Nagaland (BAN) and supported by MSME under the IC scheme, concluded on Saturday at Zone Naithu by The Park, Chümoukedima.
The final day of the conference revolved around the theme, “Logistics & Transport for Regional Collaboration”, featuring a panel discussion on “Entrepreneur Empowerment – MSME, NSIC, SIDBI, SBI & GeM”, moderated by Convenor, MSME, BAN, Benthungo Kithan.
Empowering MSMEs through various schemes: Assistant Director, DFO MSME, 6th Mile Sovima, Gaurav Saini, highlighted the critical role of MSMEs in India’s economy and social development. He spoke on the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, which supports artisans from 16 identified trades with collateral-free loans, training, and a toolkit worth Rs. 15,000.
He also detailed the MSME Champion Scheme, which includes Zero Effect and Zero Defect (ZED), MSME Competitive Lean, and MSME Innovative, aimed at improving quality and competitiveness.
Saini further discussed the Procurement and Marketing Support Scheme (PMS), which assists MSMEs in participating in national fairs with government-funded travel and stall expenses.
NSIC’s role in fostering entrepreneurship: Deputy Manager MSME, Vinod Jaiswal, highlighted the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) initiatives, emphasizing key entrepreneurial traits under 4C (Curiosity, Commitment, Creativity, Confidence) and 4P (Position, Presence, Purpose, People, Profits).
Jaiswal stated that NSIC’s Public Procurement Policy reserves 25% of procurement for SC/ST entrepreneurs. The Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme offers up to Rs. 25 lakh for machinery investments up to Rs. 1 crore. He noted that NSIC collaborates with top institutions under the National Institute of Ranking Framework (NIRF) for capacity-building programs.
Entrepreneurs can also benefit from bank processing fee reimbursements for loans up to Rs. 1 lakh. For inquiries, entrepreneurs can contact the NSIC representative at 9905082471.
SBI’s support for MSMEs: Chief Manager, Agri and MSME Credit Centre (AMCC), SBI, Katila Aier, revealed that SBI serves 1.6 million MSMEs, with 90% classified as micro-enterprises. SBI leads MSME lending, sanctioning loans worth Rs. 4.56 trillion nationwide.
In Nagaland, SBI has sanctioned Rs. 551 crore to nearly 12,000 MSME accounts and signed an MoU with the state government under the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Yojana (CMMFY), approving Rs. 53.20 crore across 874 accounts. SBI is also collaborating with IDAN and BAN to support rural tourism and facilitate MSME loans via digital platforms.
For MSME loans up to Rs. 5 crore, SBI offers a digital application process via www.sbiloansin59minutes.com. Aier emphasized the importance of maintaining financial records, monitoring CIBIL scores, and managing NPAs for smooth loan processing.
SIDBI’s financial assistance for MSMEs: Assistant Manager, SIDBI, Ram Kumar, stated that while SIDBI traditionally does not finance individuals, it now provides direct financing to MSMEs. Since 2021, SIDBI Dimapur has focused on development assistance, grants, and credit outreach programs.
He shared that SIDBI has financed 15 MSME units directly, with an 8.5% to 10.5% interest rate for various sectors. Under the Speed Scheme, MSMEs can avail up to Rs. 2 crore for machinery and equipment. Existing MSMEs can apply for loans up to Rs. 3 crore.
He also mentioned the Aspired Fund, a Rs. 300 crore corpus provided by the MSME Ministry, and encouraged interested applicants to visit SIDBI’s office at the supermarket.
GeM portal’s role in MSME marketing: PMU Head, Nagaland GeM, Navdeep Kumar, emphasized that finance and marketing are primary challenges for MSMEs. He explained that the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), launched in 2016, has streamlined public procurement. India’s GeM portal ranks second globally, with over 162,000 registered buyers and 11,000 product categories.
Kumar noted that 37.99% of public procurement this financial year came from MSMEs, totaling over Rs. 4 lakh crore in transactions as of January 2025. GeM registration is free, with minimal documentation, and supports startups, women entrepreneurs, and Northeast MSMEs. Assistance is available at the state help desk in Kohima.
Panel sessions on cross-border collaboration and adventure tourism: In the morning session on “Logistics and Transport Cross-Border Collaboration”, speakers included Industries & Commerce Director, P. Tokugha Sema, Joint Secretary IDAN, Reny Wilfred, Blue Dart Regional Head (East), Subrata Biswas, Second Secretary, Embassy of Japan, New Delhi, Ryuta Saito, and Good Karma Travels CEO, Karma Tshering. The session was moderated by Convenor, Logistics & Transport, BAN, Inoto Kinimi.
The afternoon session on “Adventure Tourism with Emphasis on Carbon Neutrality” was moderated by Yanpvuo Kikon, Founder of Kikonik Tech Pvt Ltd & Kley Enterprise, with speakers including Cycling Tourism Advocate Poonacha, Gear Thrills Cycling Club Founder Yamet Phom, and 4×4 Attitude Founder Senthungo Ovung.
Recognizing Excellence: NICTTL 2025 Awards
The conference also honored outstanding contributions in tourism and sustainability, with awards presented by Advisor T.N. Mannen, MLA & Advisor for Law, Justice & Land Revenue): Best Tour Operator – Naga Bivouac (Founder: Neikedolie)
Best Eco-Friendly Resort – The Majestic Kapamodzu (Founder: Rekha Rose Dukru)
Best Community Conservation Practices – Lemsachenlok Society (Chairman: Nuklu Phom)
Special Citation – Hebamlo (Initiated by Green Hub X Royal Enfield)
The conference concluded with a session hosted by Convenor, Tourism Committee, BAN, Zubeno Mozhui, while short speeches were delivered by BAN president, L. Mongkum Jamir, key takeaways by Advisor, BAN Tourism Committee, Thangi Manen, and a vote of thanks by Ameto Peseyie.