Self-Help Groups should Maximize MSME Schemes at Nahan Trade Fair

A one-day national seminar was held at Chaugan Ground, Nahan, as part of the three-day Exhibition Trade Fair organized under the MSME Ministry’s Purchase and Marketing Assistance Scheme. The event was inaugurated by Ajay Solanki, MLA from the Nahan Assembly constituency, who attended as the chief guest, alongside Sirmaur Deputy Commissioner Sumit Khimta as the special guest.

In his address, Ajay Solanki emphasized the importance of such seminars in empowering budding and existing entrepreneurs. He highlighted the various schemes run by the Central and State Governments, as well as banks, aimed at fostering the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Solanki urged self-help groups and entrepreneurs to take full advantage of these initiatives to enhance their ventures.

Achievements and Opportunities in the MSME Sector

Ajay Solanki shared key achievements in the MSME sector, including:

• Two trade fairs organized in Himachal Pradesh during the 2024–25 fiscal year, benefiting over 50 micro and small enterprises.
• Registration of more than 1.89 lakh enterprises in the state.
• Certification under the Z Scheme, with 1,600 bronze, nine silver, and ten gold certificates awarded to state enterprises.
• Approval of a cluster project worth over ₹60 crore to develop industrial sectors under the cluster scheme.
• Expert Guidance for Entrepreneurs

The seminar featured presentations from experts across various organizations, including:

• Rahul Joshi from the Reserve Bank of India
• Varun Singhwal from the Cooperative Development Board (CDB)
• Shashank Kumar from NSIC-SC ST Hub
• Mir Zahoor from GeM
• Vinay Sharma from FIO
• Dr. Thakur Bhagat and Rahul Sharma from the District Industry Center
• Sukhman Singh from MSME-TC
• Ambedkar Kashiana from QCI-MSME PCI

These experts provided detailed insights into government schemes designed to support MSME development, offering valuable guidance to entrepreneurs in attendance.

Support for Small Enterprises

Small enterprises from across Himachal Pradesh and neighboring states showcased and sold their products at the trade fair. According to MSME Ministry guidelines, participating enterprises will receive up to ₹80,000 to cover exhibition-related expenses, enabling them to expand their market reach.

This seminar and trade fair exemplify the government’s commitment to strengthening the MSME sector and encouraging self-help groups and entrepreneurs to thrive in a competitive market.