GoN, QCI sign MoU to improve quality standards

Government of Nagaland (GoN) and the Quality Council of India (QCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during “World Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day” celebration programme at the Secretariat Conference Hall, New Secretariat Complex, Kohima on June 27, 2025.
According to a DIPR report, the MoU was aimed at elevating quality standards and fostering excellence across various sectors, including industry and commerce, within the state. QCI was represented by its deputy director Manish Vashistha.
With the signing of MoU, the ZED and LEAN Certification for manufacturing MSMEs from Nagaland is expected to be boosted significantly under the RAMP programme.
The programme was organised by Department of Industries and Commerce with advisor for agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan as the special guest.
In his address, Yanthan emphasized 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.
The advisor suggested conducting local workshops, translating schemes into local languages, and setting up MSME facilitation centres at KVKs and DICs.
He also called for integrating with other schemes, partnering with FPOs/FPCs, and empowering women and youth. Yanthan affirmed Nagaland’s potential to lead in youth-driven entrepreneurship for a Viksit Bharat.
Also, speaking at the programme, secretary for industries & commerce, Kumar Ramnikant, highlighted 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.
Other highlights of the event included the launch of the RAMP Nagaland Portal and the revamped department website, designed to provide MSMEs with enhanced resources and support.
Additionally, the iGOT User Manual for Nagaland was unveiled, offering a comprehensive guide for government employees to effectively utilize the Integrated Government Online Training platform.
The industries & commerce department is the first government department from Nagaland to onboard 220 officers from the state into the iGOT portal for online training and capacity building.
The programme was chaired by Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation (NIDC) chairman Kvulo Lorin.
I&C director, P. Tokugha Sema delivered the concluding remarks and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in strengthening the MSME sector.
The event was attended by department officials, administrative heads of departments and MSME representatives from Nagaland.
Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017, “World MSME Day” is celebrated annually on June 27 to highlight the significant contributions of MSMEs towards employment generation, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
MSMEs account for over 90% of businesses worldwide, more than 50% of the global employment and contribute up to 40% of the national income (GDP) in emerging economies.