News & Announcement
Awareness Workshop on UNNATI-2024 and NER Schemes Held at Kaluk BAC
Soreng, July 3 (IPR):
An awareness workshop on the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialisation (UNNATI) 2024 scheme and other North Eastern Region (NER) schemes was organised today by the District Industries Centre (DIC) Commerce and Industries Department at the conference hall of Block Administrative Centre (BAC), Kaluk under Soreng district.
The main aim of the programme was to spread awareness and empower local entrepreneurs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), youth, and other stakeholders about various State and Central Government flagship schemes and their benefits.
The workshop was graced by the MLA Rinchenpong Constituency, Mr Erung Tenzing Lepcha as Chief Guest and was accompanied by Guest of Honour, DC (Soreng) Mr Dhiraj Subedi and Special Guest ADC (Dev) Mr Gaayas Pega.
In his address, MLA (Rinchenpong) Mr Erung Tenzing Lepcha, thanked the DIC under Commerce and Industries Department for organising the awareness programme in his constituency. He appreciated the holistic approach by the department in amalgamating subject matter experts ranging from Chartered Accounts to financial agencies to NGOs such as Unnati Foundation apart from Departmental officers. He further stated that this move stands as a commendable and impactful intervention by the department, aimed at fostering awareness in rural regions through such initiatives which he asserted is vital in empowering youth, SHGs and local entrepreneurs under the Chief Minister’s vision of “One Family, One Entrepreneur.
He further, encouraged participants to take full advantage of the schemes, noting that while change can be uncomfortable, it is essential for growth. He stressed the need to shift from a dependency on government jobs to embracing entrepreneurship as a path to self-reliance and employment generation.
Also he, urged the department to continue such programmes and extend support to young entrepreneurs. He concluded by calling on attendees to become role models for future generations and foster a sense of belonging and consciousness in building a stronger community.
District Collector Mr Dhiraj Subedi also addressed the house, where he urged participants to make full use of the government schemes, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship. He emphasized that now is the right time to shift from job-seeking to job-creating and encouraged youth to develop business skills for long-term success.
He then, highlighted that schemes like UNNATI-2024 offer real opportunities for self-reliance and local economic growth. Concluding his remarks, he said, “Don’t hold back your potential—explore your abilities and the possibilities that lie ahead.”
Joint Secretary (Commerce and Industries Department) Mr Gopal K Chettri, highlighted and explained the main features of the UNNATI-2024 scheme. He said the scheme aims to support both new business setups and the expansion of existing enterprises in Sikkim.
Mr Santosh Shaw, from the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of the UNNATI scheme, gave a detailed presentation on the scheme’s components, including focus sectors, financial incentives, operational guidelines, and the Sikkim Industrial and Investment Policy 2024. He also answered queries during an interactive session.
The workshop also had detailed presentation on Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and Prime Minister’s Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME). The presentation covered eligibility, required documents, application processes, and the role of District Industries Centres (DICs). The workshop also included a hands-on session on banking procedures and credit counselling for potential applicants.
Initially, the event began with a welcome note and address by General Manager (DIC, Soreng) Ms Anula Gurung who spoke about the objectives and benefits of the flagship schemes. Emphasising the critical importance of awareness, particularly in the rural areas of Soreng, as a key driver for inclusive development, she highlighted the need to reach grassroots communities with information and opportunities that can empower local talent. She also reiterated DIC’s commitment to fostering a supportive and dynamic environment that empowers entrepreneurs to innovate, expand their ventures, and contribute meaningfully to the economic landscape. Her assurance underlines DIC’s proactive role in nurturing a thriving startup ecosystem.
An open house discussion was held at the end of the workshop, where entrepreneurs could ask questions and receive direct responses from the officials present.
The event was also attended by Zilla Panchayat Members, Zilla DPO Shri. Kumar Subba, Panchayat Members, representatives from SEED Cell, Block Development Officers (BDOs), Heads of Departments (HoDs), officials from various line departments, entrepreneurs, and members of the general public.
An awareness workshop on the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialisation (UNNATI) 2024 scheme and other North Eastern Region (NER) schemes was organised today by the District Industries Centre (DIC) Commerce and Industries Department at the conference hall of Block Administrative Centre (BAC), Kaluk under Soreng district.
The main aim of the programme was to spread awareness and empower local entrepreneurs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), youth, and other stakeholders about various State and Central Government flagship schemes and their benefits.
The workshop was graced by the MLA Rinchenpong Constituency, Mr Erung Tenzing Lepcha as Chief Guest and was accompanied by Guest of Honour, DC (Soreng) Mr Dhiraj Subedi and Special Guest ADC (Dev) Mr Gaayas Pega.
In his address, MLA (Rinchenpong) Mr Erung Tenzing Lepcha, thanked the DIC under Commerce and Industries Department for organising the awareness programme in his constituency. He appreciated the holistic approach by the department in amalgamating subject matter experts ranging from Chartered Accounts to financial agencies to NGOs such as Unnati Foundation apart from Departmental officers. He further stated that this move stands as a commendable and impactful intervention by the department, aimed at fostering awareness in rural regions through such initiatives which he asserted is vital in empowering youth, SHGs and local entrepreneurs under the Chief Minister’s vision of “One Family, One Entrepreneur.
He further, encouraged participants to take full advantage of the schemes, noting that while change can be uncomfortable, it is essential for growth. He stressed the need to shift from a dependency on government jobs to embracing entrepreneurship as a path to self-reliance and employment generation.
Also he, urged the department to continue such programmes and extend support to young entrepreneurs. He concluded by calling on attendees to become role models for future generations and foster a sense of belonging and consciousness in building a stronger community.
District Collector Mr Dhiraj Subedi also addressed the house, where he urged participants to make full use of the government schemes, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship. He emphasized that now is the right time to shift from job-seeking to job-creating and encouraged youth to develop business skills for long-term success.
He then, highlighted that schemes like UNNATI-2024 offer real opportunities for self-reliance and local economic growth. Concluding his remarks, he said, “Don’t hold back your potential—explore your abilities and the possibilities that lie ahead.”
Joint Secretary (Commerce and Industries Department) Mr Gopal K Chettri, highlighted and explained the main features of the UNNATI-2024 scheme. He said the scheme aims to support both new business setups and the expansion of existing enterprises in Sikkim.
Mr Santosh Shaw, from the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of the UNNATI scheme, gave a detailed presentation on the scheme’s components, including focus sectors, financial incentives, operational guidelines, and the Sikkim Industrial and Investment Policy 2024. He also answered queries during an interactive session.
The workshop also had detailed presentation on Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and Prime Minister’s Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME). The presentation covered eligibility, required documents, application processes, and the role of District Industries Centres (DICs). The workshop also included a hands-on session on banking procedures and credit counselling for potential applicants.
Initially, the event began with a welcome note and address by General Manager (DIC, Soreng) Ms Anula Gurung who spoke about the objectives and benefits of the flagship schemes. Emphasising the critical importance of awareness, particularly in the rural areas of Soreng, as a key driver for inclusive development, she highlighted the need to reach grassroots communities with information and opportunities that can empower local talent. She also reiterated DIC’s commitment to fostering a supportive and dynamic environment that empowers entrepreneurs to innovate, expand their ventures, and contribute meaningfully to the economic landscape. Her assurance underlines DIC’s proactive role in nurturing a thriving startup ecosystem.
An open house discussion was held at the end of the workshop, where entrepreneurs could ask questions and receive direct responses from the officials present.
The event was also attended by Zilla Panchayat Members, Zilla DPO Shri. Kumar Subba, Panchayat Members, representatives from SEED Cell, Block Development Officers (BDOs), Heads of Departments (HoDs), officials from various line departments, entrepreneurs, and members of the general public.