The MSME Development & Facilitation Office (DFO), Srinagar, under the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, in collaboration with the District Administration Kupwara, today organized a PM Vishwakarma Awareness Programme on Branding and Marketing at the Meeting Hall of the D.C Office, Kupwara.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Shrikant Suse, inaugurated the programme and was the chief guest on the occasion. The programme witnessed the participation of officers from various departments, banking institutions, technical experts, and a large number of artisans and beneficiaries under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.
In his address, the DC appreciated the initiative of the Ministry of MSME and emphasized the importance of empowering local artisans through capacity building, financial inclusion, and modern marketing practices. He urged artisans to make full use of government schemes and adopt innovative technologies to improve the competitiveness of their products in national and international markets.
Joint Director, MSME DFO Jammu & Kashmir, Amit Kumar Tamaria, presented a comprehensive overview of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme and highlighted its implementation and progress in Jammu & Kashmir. He elaborated on the various benefits available under the scheme, including skill upgradation, toolkit incentives, concessional credit, digital transactions, and marketing support for traditional artisans.
Earlier, Assistant Director, Saheel Alaqband, highlighted the aims and objectives of the awareness programme. He emphasized that the initiative was aimed at equipping traditional artisans and craftspeople with the knowledge and skills required for effective branding, marketing, product packaging, and business development to enhance their income and market reach.
During the technical session, Lead District Manager (LDM), Kupwara, delivered a detailed presentation on credit facilitation and banking awareness, informing participants about financial assistance, loan facilities, and banking services available for artisans and micro enterprises.
Experts from various departments and institutions conducted technical sessions on entrepreneurship development and capacity building, product packaging and branding, digital marketing and e-commerce, schemes available through the District Industries Centre for artisans, the importance of Udyam Registration, and the use of artificial intelligence for product branding and market promotion.
The programme concluded with an interactive session during which participants raised queries regarding various aspects of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme and related government initiatives. The experts responded to the queries and encouraged artisans to take advantage of the available support mechanisms for strengthening their enterprises and improving market access.