Nagaland: MSME programme boosts entrepreneurship

In a major push to strengthen entrepreneurship and enhance market linkages in Nagaland, the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, on Monday organised an entrepreneur awareness camp and special vendor development programme at Senden Riju, Purana Bazar, Dimapur, drawing participation from over 340 aspiring and existing entrepreneurs.
The programme, organised in collaboration with the State government and the Business Association of Nagas (BAN), aimed at creating awareness on central schemes, particularly the National SC-ST Hub (NSSH), while bridging the gap between local enterprises and procurement opportunities offered by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
The event began with an Entrepreneur Awareness Camp, inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome address by BAN. A film on NSSH was screened, after which officials from MSME Development and Facilitation Office (DFO) presented key initiatives under NSSH and the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC).
Representatives from various organisations including Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), TRIFED, NSTFDC, NEHHDC, NEIST, NABARD, SIDBI, GeM, District Industries Centre (DIC), DigitalNaari, and ALEAP delivered presentations on financial assistance, skilling, market access, and enterprise development opportunities.
The second session focused on vendor development, where CPSE representatives from NEDFi, NEEPCO, IOCL, GAIL, and Power Grid Corporation outlined procurement procedures, vendor registration processes, and business opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Delivering the special address, MSME Secretary S.C.L. Das highlighted the immense potential of Nagaland’s youth, stating that their talent and entrepreneurial spirit, combined with the State’s natural resources, could drive significant economic growth. He emphasised the importance of leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, acquiring industry-relevant skills, and utilising institutional support systems including incubation centres and technical institutes. Das also underscored the availability of financial and marketing support through schemes offering credit guarantees, collateral-free loans, and access to platforms like GeM and ONDC. He encouraged entrepreneurs to explore domestic and international markets, participate in trade fairs, and adopt a long-term growth vision.
Joint Secretary, MSME, Mercy Epao, in her address, stressed the need for greater awareness and participation in MSME schemes, noting that Nagaland’s uptake remained low compared to other states. She highlighted that several flagship initiatives, including the Rs.50,000 crore Self-Reliant India Fund, were yet to be effectively utilised in the State.
She urged entrepreneurs to register on the Udyam portal and actively engage with MSME offices to access benefits such as credit support, skill development, and market linkages. Epao also pointed out that schemes like PMEGP and CGTMSE provide substantial financial backing, particularly for women and ST entrepreneurs. In his opening remarks, NSIC zonal general manager Rajesh Madan spoke on the Public Procurement Policy, which mandates 4% procurement from SC/ST-owned MSEs and 3% from women-led enterprises. He said the NSSH scheme was helping build an inclusive ecosystem for MSME growth, including in Nagaland.
The programme concluded with an interactive session, allowing participants to directly engage with officials and stakeholders, followed by a vote of thanks by BAN vice president Ben Kithan.