PASIGHAT, Sep 14: Artisans and entrepreneurs in East Siang were sensitised on branding, digital marketing, artificial intelligence (AI), financial inclusion and export opportunities at a one-day awareness programme on the PM Vishwakarma Scheme organised at IGJ Govt Higher Secondary School, Pasighat, on Monday.
The programme was organised by the Branch MSME Development and Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Itanagar, under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, in collaboration with the District Industries Centre (DIC), East Siang and APM&SIDA.
The programme aimed at equipping traditional artisans and PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries with knowledge and tools to improve their products, strengthen their enterprises and access wider domestic and international markets.
Assistant Director, Branch MSME-DFO, Itanagar, Sourav Kumar explained the PM Vishwakarma Scheme and various initiatives of the Ministry of MSME. He highlighted opportunities for skill development, entrepreneurship, technological upgradation, branding, market access, participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, credit support and subsidies.
He also stressed the importance of formalising enterprises through Udyam Registration and accessing various MSME support mechanisms.
Diksha Nanda Bora of the State Level Project Management Unit (SLPMU), PM Vishwakarma, Arunachal Pradesh, conducted a technical session on entrepreneurship, branding, packaging, e-commerce onboarding and the practical use of AI. Participants were introduced to ways of using digital tools to improve product presentation, pricing, promotional content, customer engagement and online marketing.
Financial literacy and institutional credit were covered by Lead District Manager Bingu Ram Chandra Reddy, who explained formal banking services, loan facilities and the application and disbursement process. Participants were also briefed on social security schemes such as PMSBY, PMJJBY and APY.
A special session on exporting artisan products was conducted by Om Prakash Jha and Ashish Saha of India Post Payments Bank and the Postal Department. The session covered export procedures, documentation, compliance requirements and opportunities for local artisans to reach international markets.
Participants were also informed about postal export services and the role of Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra in facilitating exports of locally produced goods.
An on-the-spot facilitation desk for Udyam Registration was established to assist artisans with enterprise formalisation and digital onboarding.
The programme provided participants with practical guidance on transforming traditional skills into sustainable enterprises through better branding, digital platforms, access to finance and wider market opportunities.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Ratan Raj of Branch MSME-DFO, Itanagar, who highlighted the opportunities available to artisans across Arunachal Pradesh under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. (DIPRO)