CM Rio launches World Bank supported scheme RAMP

Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 28

Nagaland’s Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today launched a World Bank supported central sector scheme of Government of India called Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) in the presence of all the legislators of 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly here at NLA Secretariat Kohima.

RAMP scheme is designed to address several critical areas essential for strengthening the MSME sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Rio congratulated Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor, Industries & Commerce and the Department for the successful launch of the scheme and accelerating the growth and development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.

“For many years, our Government has been working very hard to empower our youth and entrepreneurs and we have been witnessing the fruits of our efforts,” he maintained.

He also cited initiatives like “Year of Youth Empowerment” and “Year of Entrepreneurs” where many young people received trainings for upskilling and finding jobs in various sectors.

“We can also see the rise in many promising entrepreneurs launching new businesses and products in Nagaland, ” the Chief Minister said.

Our youth have also become more innovative, driven by a renewed focus on building successful enterprises, he  maintained, terming  entrepreneurship spirit as shaping the future of Nagaland and her  economic transformation.

In the recent years, the government has also seen notable progress through initiatives like IDAN, incubation centres, and Startup Nagaland, he added. 

Additionally, events such as the CSR Conclave and the G20-B20 meetings have further showcased our state’s growing prominence, he claimed. 

In line with the efforts, the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI) was introduced to provide financial support to businesses to ensure that everyone with a business idea could access the resources they needed to succeed, Rio said. 
Around 800 people have already benefitted from the initiative, he informed.

As we continue our effort in the coming years, we are confident that, more people will take advantage of this support, leading to greater inclusive economic growth, Rio said.

“While our government has made significant stride in empowering youth and entrepreneurs, we are still faced with the challenge of addressing unemployment problem for our educated unemployed youths in the state,” Rio said and stressed on the need to shift focus towards nurturing economic growth for businesses which will in turn generate jobs.

He also implored everyone present to prioritise supporting new and aspiring entrepreneurs, “as this will reduce the heavy reliance on Government jobs.”

The Chief Minister maintained that economic progress in Nagaland can only be achieved when businesses are created and establishing a circular flow of income both within and beyond the state.

“For the longest time, businesses in Nagaland have been predominantly centred around trade and retail. I am however happy to see that there is now a gradual shift towards manufacturing and industrialisation. However, there are still many in the unorganised sector and our economic activities remain mostly informal’ he added..

It is crucial that these businesses are formalised and incorporated in the mainstream economy so that they can avail the benefits of various schemes and grants available for them, he added.

Rio said that it is also imperative to focus on scaling up of micro enterprises to become small enterprise and for small enterprise to become medium-sized businesses.

Emphasis should be placed in scaling up production and manufacturing on a larger scale to not only meet domestic demand but also to expand our reach to other states and international markets, he said.

” We are now witnessing a significant shift in the policy trajectory of the Government of India, with a growing focus on MSMEs,” the Chief Minister said and exuded confidence  that with the support provided through schemes such as RAMP, PM-Vishwakarma, UNNATI and others, Nagaland will be well positioned tomake meaningful contribution to the country’s economy.

“By leveraging the benefits of such schemes, our MSMEs can contribute to the Country’s economic growth as our products and services gets integrated into the National and Global market value chain,” Rio said.

Rio urged DIC to intensify their focus in this sector and provide the necessary support to entrepreneurs as they scale up through the RAMP project and other MSME related schemes.

“Our Government remains dedicated to the holistic development of Nagaland,” he said adding that with an opposition-less Government, “we have the opportunity to unite and work collaboratively, fostering a supportive environment and prioritizing the well-being of our people.”

Rio was hopeful that  RAMP Programme will inspire both public sector and entrepreneurs to take bold steps towards advancing progress and prosperity of the state. “Together, let’s build a brighter future for Nagaland and unlock the full potential of our vibrant economy” Rio added.

Earlier, opening remarks was given by Hekani Jakhalu, advisor Industries & Commerce, Nagaland while Shanavas  C, Secretary Industries & Commerce highlighted the objectives of RAMP.

The programme was chaired by P Tokugha Achumi, Director, Industries & Commerce while vote of thanks was proposed by Kvulo Lorin, Chairman NIDC.