Workshop on MSME empowerment, market linkages

A capacity-building and awareness workshop on MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) empowerment — “Navigating NSIC, ONDC & GST Compliances” — was held at the JDIOWA Seminar Hall here on Friday, drawing over 60 MSME owners from across north Bengal.

Organised by Grant Thornton Bharat LLP under the Cluster Intervention Project (CIP) and supported by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the Jalpaiguri Dabgram Industries & Owners’ Welfare Association (JDIOWA), the event focused on compliance, finance, subsidies and market linkages for MSMEs.

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NSIC (National Small Industries Corporation) — a government body supporting MSMEs; ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) — an open digital commerce network; and GST (Goods and Services Tax) were key themes of the workshop.

Dr Nirmal Joy, joint commissioner, Indian Revenue Service (customs and indirect taxes), and Babneet Tuli, additional commissioner, were also present at the programme, where they shared their insights and actively participated in discussions on the subject. They jointly interacted with participants.

Arunava Das, DGM & SBM, NSIC, outlined NSIC-backed schemes, subsidies, credit facilities and marketing support through ONDC to expand MSME exposure.

Mohan Debnath, president of JDIOWA, said: “We need more such curated programmes so that MSMEs can gain technical knowledge, understand compliances and strengthen their businesses.”

Participants described the session as timely and practical amid increasing compliance requirements and the growing need for sustainable growth pathways for MSMEs.