Launch of RAMP Project in Tripura to Boost MSMEs

Agartala, Oct 01, 2024, By Our Correspondent

Agartala: Oct 01: The RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) project, supported by the World Bank, has been launched to enhance the performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Tripura. The project was inaugurated today by Santwana Chakma, the Minister of Industry and Commerce.

In addition to the RAMP project, Minister Chakma also launched a comprehensive awareness workshop and the “Yashaswini Abhiyan” to promote various central government schemes for MSME development. The event saw participation from self-employed individuals, self-help group members, and representatives from various government departments and organizations.

Minister Chakma emphasized the crucial role of MSMEs in the state’s economic self-reliance and highlighted the importance of awareness about government schemes. She encouraged entrepreneurs to work hard and be patient, noting the state’s potential for industries based on rubber, food processing, bamboo, and other resources. She mentioned that nearly 98% of the state’s industries are MSMEs, many of which have benefited from schemes like PMEGP and Swavalamban. Under the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, 932 people have received loans in the state so far.

Kiran Gitya, Secretary of the Department of Industry and Commerce, noted that MSMEs contribute 11% to the state’s GDP and stressed the need to increase this figure. He mentioned that the RAMP scheme, which will run for the next three years, aims to create 3,200 model entrepreneurs in the state. Binimra Mishra, Director (GA & TP) of the Ministry of MSME, stated that the program aims to support the overall development of MSMEs in the country over the next 15-20 years. Tripura is the second state in India to launch the RAMP scheme, with a total allocation of 65 crore rupees.

The awareness workshop and “Yashaswini Abhiyan” will focus on marketing, technology utilization, and financial infrastructure development for MSMEs. Ankita Pandey, Director of the Ministry of MSME, highlighted the campaign’s goal to raise awareness among women entrepreneurs. A documentary on this topic was also screened at the event.

Swapna Debnath, the officer-in-charge of the Department of Industry and Commerce, delivered the welcome address. In the second phase of the event, experienced trainers from various government and private organizations, including the Reserve Bank of India, CIBIL, and GEM, provided insights on various aspects of MSMEs.