The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, organiz ed an Entrepreneur Awareness Camp and Special Vendor Development Programme at Seden Riju, Purana Bazar, Dimapur, on March 30, 2026, with support from the Government of Nagaland and the Business Association of Nagas (BAN).
The programme aimed to raise awareness about Government of India initiatives, including the National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) scheme, and to bridge the gap between CPSE demand and the supply capabilities of SC and ST enterprises. Entrepreneurs were also provided the opportunity to obtain Udyam Registration. Over 300 aspiring and existing entrepreneurs participated.
The event was attended by S. C. L. Das, Secretary, Ministry of MSME; Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary, MSME; and L Mongkum Jamir, President of BAN, among others.
In his opening remarks, Rajesh Madan, Zonal General Manager, NSIC, highlighted the Public Procurement Policy mandating 4 percent procurement from SC and ST-owned MSEs and 3 percent from women-owned MSEs. He said the NSSH scheme is promoting inclusive growth.
Mercy Epao outlined various MSME schemes offering financial assistance, infrastructure, skilling, and market linkages. She noted that the MSME sector is the second-largest employer after agriculture and a key contributor to GDP, manufacturing, and exports.
S.C.L. Das emphasised the role of MSME schemes in strengthening entrepreneurship and encouraged youth, especially women, to explore emerging opportunities, including artificial intelligence.
The programme included interactive sessions with CPSEs, MSME-DFO, and financial institutions on vendor empanelment and financial support.
