Agartala , Oct 01, 2024, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Agartala Oct 01: With an aim to enhance the performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma launched RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) project in the state on Tuesday.

Amidst a program organized at the Exhibition Hall of Hapania International Fair and Exhibition ground, the Industry and Commerce Minister also introduced an integrated awareness workshop and the ‘Yashaswini Abhiyan’ to promote awareness about various central schemes for MSME development. The event saw active participation from members of self-help groups, representatives of various departments, and organizations.

Addressing the event, Chakma emphasized the significant role of MSMEs in achieving economic self-reliance.

She highlighted the importance of self-employed individuals being well-informed about various government schemes.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting workers while encouraging them to advance with effort and discipline.

She noted the potential for developing industries based on rubber, food processing, and bamboo in the state.

“Currently, about 98 percent of the state’s industries are registered as MSMEs, with many having received loans under schemes like PMEGP and self-reliance initiatives. Under the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, loans have been provided to 932 individuals in the state so far”, she said.

Secretary, Department of Industries and Commerce, Kiran Gitte stated that MSMEs contribute 11 percent to the state’s GDP, with plans to increase this figure in the future.

The RAMP scheme set to continue for the next three years, aims to create 3,200 model entrepreneurs in the state.

Binam Mishra, Director of Union MSME Ministry (GA & TP), mentioned that the program’s goal is to support the overall development of MSMEs in the country over the next 15 to 20 years.

Tripura is the second state to launch this scheme, with a total of 65 crore rupees allocated for the initiative.

Meanwhile, the awareness workshops and ‘Yashaswini Abhiyan’ will provide comprehensive support to MSMEs, focusing on product marketing, technology use, financing infrastructure development, and other critical areas.

Ankita Pandey, Director, Union Ministry of MSME, highlighted that the Yashaswini Abhiyan aims to empower women entrepreneurs by increasing their business awareness.

A documentary film related to the initiative was also screened during the event. It is noteworthy that the first RAMP project was launched in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on June 27 this year.

In the second phase of the program, featured experienced trainers from various government and private organizations, including the Reserve Bank of India, CIBIL, and JEM, who provided insights on various MSME-related topics.