Awareness Programme on Marketing Support under PM Vishwakarma Yojana held at Namchi.

Namchi, September 15 (IPR): A one-day Awareness Programme on Marketing Support under PM Vishwakarma Yojana was organised today at the Namchi District Officers’ Club by the MSME Development & Facilitation Office, Ministry of MSME, Government of India, Gangtok.
The event was held in collaboration with the District Industries Centre, National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), India Post, and Sikkim University.
The programme aimed to provide artisans with guidance and practical training on digital marketing platforms and e-commerce opportunities to enhance their business prospects.
ADC Namchi, Ms Tirsang Tamang, graced the occasion as the chief guest. In her address, she highlighted the significance of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme launched on 17th September 2023 by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
She explained that the scheme’s main objective is to recognise, support and empower traditional artisans and craftspeople , preserve family-based traditional skills, and provide them with finance, training and market linkages.
Further, she stated that the scheme also focuses on improving the quality of products and services through modern tools and techniques.
She elaborated on the registration process, wherein artisans can enroll themselves, undergo training, and subsequently receive certification as registered participants or entrepreneurs.
Also she urged artisans to use the benefits of the scheme and make use of the opportunities created for their growth and empowerment.
Assistant Director, Mr Nirmal Chowdhury shared updates on the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, noting that the first phase saw over 30 lakh registrations nationwide.
Under this phase, artisans benefitted through the distribution of modern toolkits, issuance of unique artisan identity cards, and access to collateral-free concessional loans at 5% interest, all aimed at enhancing their productivity and livelihood.
Also, he added that the second phase focuses on marketing support, enabling artisans to effectively showcase and sell their products in today’s competitive marketplace for better income and sustainable growth.
He also informed that artisan fairs are organised across India, offering craftspeople a platform to showcase and sell their products, where the government of India extended support by covering stall charges for participants with reimbursement provided after the conclusion of the fair.
Further, he also informed about the authentic portal for MSME registration — mymsme.gov.in, where applicants need to click on Udyam Registration to proceed.
Professor Sikkim University, Dr P K Das delivered presentations on Digital Marketing, which covered various aspects of online promotion and selling with a special focus on government-supported digital commerce initiatives and organic marketing strategies.
He explained the concept of Online Selling and highlighted the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), launched in 2021, as a digital network of marketplaces that ensures equal opportunities for all sellers, including MSMEs and local businesses.
He also spoke about the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), launched in 2016 as a one-stop procurement platform for government agencies, promoting transparent and inclusive opportunities for startups, artisans, and women entrepreneurs.
Further he outlined the role of the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), established in 1955, which supports MSMEs through finance, marketing, and technology services.
He also stressed on the value of Organic Social Media Marketing, a cost-free way to build authentic engagement and long-term trust without relying solely on paid advertising.
Mr Sameer Pradhan delivered a presentation on India Post, West Bengal Circle, highlighting the features of Speed Post, India Post’s premium service for fast reliable, and time-bound delivery across the country and abroad. He also explained the Speed Post tariff structure, which is determined by the weight and distance of shipments.
He informed that two new post offices will soon be established at Yangang and Sombaria. He further spoke about the Road Transport Network (RTN), a safe and secure system for transmitting parcels through surface transport.
Also he informed about Road Transport Network (RTM), which is a safe and secure transmission of parcel through surface transport.
Additionally, he highlighted the launch of the Dakghar Niryat Kendra at Gangtok District, Sikkim, a government-operated postal facility designed to promote exports and support small traders and artisans. The center provides logistical assistance, packaging support, and guidance for international shipping, helping local businesses reach global markets efficiently.
Chief Manager NSIC, Mr Sanjib Kumar Deka, addressed on National Small Industries Corporation Ltd (NSIC), which is a government enterprise under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), India.
He further informed that under various NSIC schemes, artisans and small manufacturers are provided with stalls at exhibitions, marketing assistance, and financial support to expand their businesses.
In addition, he elaborated on specific areas such as Marketing Support, Credit Support, and Other Initiatives, including the National SC-ST Hub, Technical Support (Testing & Training), International Co-operation Scheme, Technology Incubation in PPP Mode, Participation of MSMEs in Exhibitions, Event Management, ICT & Digital Services, and the ASPIRE Scheme.
He also shared details about the MSME Global Market portal, which offers a platform for showcasing products and services, thereby connecting MSMEs with wider markets.
GM, DIC Mr Dinesh Pradhan, informed that under the State Government, there are two important youth-focused schemes such as :
SYSS – “Sikkim Youth Startup Scheme”, which supports and encourages youth to establish their own businesses and provides financial assistance and guidance for startups in Sikkim.
MMYUBY – “Mukhyamantri Yuva Udhyamsheelta Vikash Yojna”, (Chief Minister Entrepreneurship Development Scheme) was launched in Sikkim on 21 August 2025 by Honourable Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. it promotes entrepreneurship and skill development among young people and creates self-employment opportunities with government support.
He further stated that 10 artisans from each district will be selected to participate in the exhibition in coming days and that they will be provided with stalls to showcase and sell their products.
Present during the meeting were MEO Mr Rajiv Roy, SLPMU Team leader Mr Joydeep Chakrawady, Coordinator MSME Mr Bhim Kumar Rai, Post Master Namchi, Ms Sobita Tamang, Social Welfare Inspector NMC, Mr Swadin Vene Rai, along with SBI Bank representative and small entrepreneurs under MSME around Namchi District.