ZIRO, SEP 11:
The Branch Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development and Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Itanagar, in collaboration with the District Industries Centre (DIC), Lower Subansiri, and APM&SIDA, organised a full-day awareness programme under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme at the DIC Hall here on Friday.
The programme aimed to equip traditional artisans and local entrepreneurs with practical knowledge on skill development, finance, digital marketing, artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce, packaging, pricing and export opportunities.
APM&SIDA president Lindum Rana delivered the opening remarks, followed by an address by DIC Ziro Deputy Director of Industries Mudang Tago. MSME-DFO Itanagar representative Vijay Sehrawat explained the key benefits of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, including skill upgradation, credit support, subsidies and participation in national trade fairs. He also encouraged artisans and entrepreneurs to obtain Udyam Registration to formally establish their businesses.
Representatives of State Bank of India, Pankaj Rai and Bikwas Debnath, explained loan application procedures, credit facilities and social security schemes available to unorganised workers.
Rohit Sahu of State Level Project Management Unit (SLPMU), Papum Pare, conducted an interactive session on modern packaging, product pricing and e-commerce, besides demonstrating how AI tools can support digital marketing and customer engagement.
The programme also focused on taking local products beyond regional markets. Tax official Takhe Rinyo explained basic export requirements, compliance and documentation, while Post Master Nani Tadi, along with India Post Payments Bank representatives, introduced the Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra (DNK) initiative to facilitate international shipment of indigenous products through rural post offices.
A live help desk was also set up to provide on-the-spot assistance to artisans with Udyam Registration and generation of business QR codes for digital payments.
The programme concluded with remarks by MSME-DFO Itanagar representative Ratan Raj, who shared details of local participation and thanked the artisans and other stakeholders for their active involvement.
The programme provided artisans with practical avenues to modernise their businesses, access institutional support and connect traditional products with wider digital and global markets.
