Soreng, March 19: The District Industries Centre (DIC), Soreng, under the Commerce and Industries Department, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with the Sikkim Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (SEED) Cell, successfully organised a One-Day Awareness Programme on Central and State Government schemes at Gelling Baiguney, Soreng District, on Thursday.
Unlike earlier outreach programmes, this initiative placed a special focus on expanding awareness at the grassroots level in interior areas, aiming to build a robust support system for unemployed youth, aspiring entrepreneurs, and existing business owners. Participants were sensitised on a wide range of government schemes, financial assistance programmes, digital and online marketing platforms, and mentorship opportunities to help them scale their entrepreneurial ventures and achieve sustainable livelihoods.
The programme was graced by Mr Raju Roshan Pradhan, OSD to the  Area MLA, 08–Zoom Salghari Constituency, as the Chief Guest. Also present was Mr Chandra Bir Shasanker, Zilla Upadhyaksha, Soreng District, Government of Sikkim.
Other dignitaries present included Mr Mahesh Dawari, Secretary, SEED Cell; Ms Anula Gurung, General Manager, DIC Soreng; Mr Dipen Chettri, District Coordinator, SEED Cell, Soreng; along with Panchayat President and members of Samsing Pipaley GPU, reflecting strong grassroots institutional participation.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Mr Dipen Chettri, who emphasised the importance of taking such awareness initiatives to rural and semi-urban areas to ensure inclusive participation.
In his address, the Chief Guest, Mr Raju Roshan Pradhan, highlighted the importance of discipline, courage, and perseverance in achieving success. He expressed gratitude to the  Chief Minister of Sikkim for introducing progressive and people-centric schemes. He noted that such awareness programmes would significantly benefit the people of Zoom Salghari Constituency, particularly aspiring entrepreneurs, by enabling them to access and utilise government opportunities effectively.
Mr Mahesh Dawari, Secretary, SEED Cell, elaborated on the role of the SEED Cell as a crucial facilitator bridging the gap between the government and entrepreneurs. He highlighted its role in assisting beneficiaries in accessing loans, subsidies, and schemes, while also supporting project report preparation and strengthening financial linkages. He further stated that flagship initiatives such as Mukhyamantri Yuva Udhyamsheelta Vikas Yojana, One Family One Entrepreneur, and Skilled Youth Start-Up are being actively implemented under the leadership of the  Chief Minister to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-reliance across the state.
Ms Anula Gurung, General Manager, DIC Soreng, delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the proactive and multifaceted role of the District Industries Centre (DIC) in nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the district. She elaborated that DIC not only facilitates access to various government schemes but also plays an active role in organising awareness programmes, undertaking credit outreach initiatives and connecting the masses—especially rural and aspiring entrepreneurs—with relevant schemes and financial institutions. She further emphasised DIC’s continuous efforts in capacity building and skill development through targeted training programmes aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial competencies and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Underscoring its role as a key enabler, she noted that DIC provides end to end support ranging from guidance and handholding to market linkage facilitation, thereby strengthening the overall MSME ecosystem.
She concluded her address by presenting a detailed PPT on Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), illustrating its benefits through examples of successful enterprises established under the scheme.
Ms Nishita Rai, Inspector, DIC Soreng, presented an overview of the UNNATI Scheme, detailing loan provisions, subsidy benefits, eligibility criteria, and sharing success stories from the region, thereby inspiring participants to explore entrepreneurial pathways.
A key highlight of the programme was the enhanced interactive session, where participants actively engaged with officials and resource persons, seeking clarifications on scheme eligibility, application processes, and business opportunities. The session reflected growing interest and awareness among local stakeholders.
The programme was successfully coordinated and conducted by Shri Bishnu Kumar Khatiwara, Operational Manager, SEED Cell.