Tuesday, 26th May 2026 (Nokinketer News): An interactive session was held on May 26, 2026, at the Directorate of Industries & Commerce Conference Hall in Kohima, engaging Nagaland legislators on the benefits and implementation of the UNNATI 2024 Scheme and PM Vishwakarma initiative. Organized by the Department of Industries & Commerce, the session focused on promoting entrepreneurship, skill development, and economic empowerment across the state.

MLA and Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, emphasized the critical role of MSMEs and the business community in strengthening Nagaland’s economy and employment opportunities. She urged legislators to actively raise awareness about government schemes and identify genuine entrepreneurs for mentorship under the World Bank-supported RAMP programme. Jakhalu highlighted the growing food processing sector under the PMFME scheme and underscored the importance of supporting grassroots weavers and artisans through initiatives like PM Vishwakarma.

Secretary of Industries & Commerce, Kumar Ramnikant, IAS, noted that the UNNATI scheme is a catalyst for entrepreneurship in the Northeast, with 55 units currently active in Nagaland. He stressed the potential of these schemes to scale traditional crafts, enhance market linkages, and promote rural tourism. The training of nearly 2,000 artisans under PM Vishwakarma reflects efforts to bridge traditional heritage with modern, digital markets.

Director P. Tokugha Sema and Additional Director Er. Lipongse Thongtsar echoed these points, urging legislators to help identify prospective beneficiaries in their constituencies and support scheme implementation. The department is focusing on easing access to finance, technology, and grievance resolution, while promoting the textile sector to uplift the rural economy.

The session included detailed presentations on the UNNATI 2024 scheme’s incentives for manufacturing, services, and micro-industries across eight Northeastern states, highlighting focus sectors like tourism, healthcare, biotech, and tech startups. The PM Vishwakarma presentation showcased support for traditional trades such as basket weaving, carpentry, tailoring, and more, emphasizing financial aid, skill development, and digital market access for artisans.

Additionally, the PMFME scheme was outlined as a key initiative under the One District One Product (ODOP) approach, designed to strengthen micro food processing units through financial support, training, and branding, fostering sustainable economic growth and employment generation in Nagaland.

Twelve legislators participated in the session, aimed at enhancing their understanding of these transformative schemes to ensure effective dissemination and benefit realization at the grassroots level.

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