By TC News Desk
Agartala, 14th November 2024: The Tripura government is planning the creation of 3,200 model Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as part of its initiatives to strengthen the state’s manufacturing sector, announced Kiran Gitte, Secretary of Industry and Commerce. Speaking at a recent program, Gitte highlighted the government’s commitment to support selected MSMEs from a pool of 32,000 registered enterprises by providing essential facilities.
Gitte explained that the Udyog portal, which currently has around 45,000 MSMEs registered, mandates MSME registration and is a part of the state’s larger support strategy. “Around 62% of MSMEs are self-employed, 32% have three employees, and 7% employ more than four workers. We have also launched the RAMP program specifically for MSMEs,” he stated, adding that the number of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the state has surged from 5,000 to over 80,000.
The recently introduced RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) program, launched last month, aims to focus on 32,000 active MSMEs to develop 3,200 model units over the next three years. Gitte emphasized the importance of “handholding support and streamlined registration processes” for MSMEs. A designated officer will oversee MSME operations at each block level to facilitate growth and access to resources.
He underscored the vital role of banks in MSME development, urging them to review detailed project reports (DPRs) and work closely with the industry department. “Banks are key to addressing MSMEs’ primary challenges, including credit access, skill development, infrastructure needs, and marketing support,” Gitte noted. Additionally, several government schemes, both state and central, have been introduced to provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs.
To bolster the state’s skilled workforce, the Mukhyamantri Dakhya Prakalpa initiative will train 15,000 individuals each year, with an expected 75,000 young people trained over five years. Gitte highlighted that this program aims to ensure that MSMEs do not face shortages of skilled workers. Plans are also underway to establish a rubber industry and a bamboo park with support from the Asian Development Bank, leveraging Tripura’s abundant natural resources like rubber and bamboo.
Gitte concluded by reaffirming the government’s dedication to advancing the manufacturing sector alongside the progress seen in the service and agriculture sectors, supporting a more robust and diversified state economy.
