SHILLONG : The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), Shillong, under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, organised an awareness webinar on the Corporate Mitra Scheme for youths, students, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), professionals and entrepreneurs from Mizoram, drawing participation from more than 650 stakeholders.
The webinar, held on July 27 as part of the scheme’s awareness campaign for the Northeast, was facilitated by Mizoram University, Aizawl. The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) served as the lead co-host, while the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) participated as supporting co-hosts.
Announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, the Corporate Mitra Scheme aims to strengthen MSMEs, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, by creating a network of trained para-professionals to provide affordable support in regulatory compliance, taxation, accounting, finance and corporate governance.
For the Northeast, IICA Shillong has been designated as the nodal agency to coordinate with state governments, universities, industry bodies and other stakeholders to promote and implement the scheme.
Delivering the welcome address, IICA Shillong Officer on Special Duty and Corporate Mitra Scheme Nodal Officer for the Northeast Debarun Kalita highlighted the scheme’s objective of empowering MSMEs through locally trained Corporate Mitras. He said 200 seats had been reserved exclusively for candidates from the Northeast, along with a 50 per cent fee concession, to encourage greater participation from the region.
Kalita said the initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of the Northeast as the “new engine of India’s growth” and stressed the importance of successful implementation of the scheme across the region.
He also explained that the initiative was designed to address the compliance burden faced by MSMEs by equipping young graduates with industry-relevant knowledge and practical skills, enabling them to provide professional business support services.
Institute of Cost Accountants of India Vice President Manoj Kumar Anand highlighted Mizoram’s potential to emerge as a key driver of economic growth in the Northeast.
Mizoram University School of Economics, Management and Information Sciences Dean Prof. Vanlalchhawna described the Corporate Mitra Scheme as a significant initiative for the state’s economy and encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunities it offers.
The webinar also featured a technical session led by ICMAI Registered Valuers Organisation Managing Director CMA (Dr.) SK Gupta, who explained the scheme’s objectives, eligibility criteria, course structure and benefits, followed by an interactive session with participants.
According to the organisers, the webinar generated strong interest among students, entrepreneurs and aspiring professionals regarding the scheme’s potential to strengthen MSMEs, promote entrepreneurship and enhance professional capacity in the Northeast.
Registration for the Corporate Mitra course, which opened on July 15, will remain open until July 31.
