Nagaland MSMEs: Hekani Jakhalu urges UNNATI 2024 and PM Vishwakarma awareness for jobs

Advisor for Industries and Commerce Hekani Jakhalu said Nagaland’s future jobs and growth rely on stronger MSMEs. Jakhalu told legislators that well-set micro, small and medium enterprises could solve 70-80 per cent of economic issues. The remarks came during an interactive session on the UNNATI 2024 Scheme and PM Vishwakarma. The Department of Industries & Commerce organised the programme.

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Jakhalu said legislators must spread awareness about government schemes and alternate livelihoods. Jakhalu added that each constituency should know the options available. Jakhalu said the department holds a long-term plan for economic change. Jakhalu stressed that only genuine beneficiaries should receive support under the schemes.

UNNATI 2024 scheme and PM Vishwakarma details in Nagaland

Secretary Industries & Commerce Kumar Ramnikant said the schemes show a shared aim of self-reliance. Ramnikant said entrepreneurship and skill training are key parts. Ramnikant informed that 55 units in Nagaland are currently under the UNNATI scheme. Ramnikant said it has supported entrepreneurship across the Northeast.

Officials said the UNNATI 2024 scheme aims to improve the Northeast industrial base. Officials said incentives cover manufacturing, services, and micro industries. The support includes capital investment help and capital interest subvention. Officials also listed sector-linked incentives as part of the package. The officials framed it as a way to expand local industry.

Director of Industries & Commerce P Tokugha Sema said UNNATI awareness has reached all districts. Sema appealed to legislators to identify capable entrepreneurs in each area. Sema said such entrepreneurs could support local economic activity. The department linked this to stronger business networks within constituencies. The appeal focused on practical selection of beneficiaries.

PM Vishwakarma scheme training and trades in Nagaland

Ramnikant said six traditional trades were chosen for training programmes in Nagaland. Ramnikant said that as of May 25, 2026, 1,939 artisans had been trained under PM Vishwakarma. Ramnikant said the schemes connect heritage work with the modern economy. Ramnikant urged legislators to back implementation in their constituencies.

The PM Vishwakarma team said active trades in Nagaland include basket weaving and tailoring. The list also included carpentry, masonry, barbering, and doll and toy making. As of March 31, 2026, 1,884 artisans had been trained and assessed. The team said Rs 3.91 crore in loans and 773 toolkits had been disbursed.

Jakhalu said PM Vishwakarma supports traditional artisans through skill training and finance. Jakhalu said market support is also part of the plan. Jakhalu said the goal is self-reliance and stable livelihoods. Jakhalu linked the scheme to stronger local craft work and better earning options. Jakhalu asked legislators to help reach the right people.

RAMP scheme and MSMEs support in Nagaland

Speaking on the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance RAMP scheme, Jakhalu said it is World Bank-assisted. Jakhalu said it is a central sector programme under the Ministry of MSME. Jakhalu said officials travelled across Nagaland to spread awareness. Jakhalu said 750 high-potential MSMEs would be mentored. Jakhalu asked legislators to identify entrepreneurs as local role models.

Additional Director Er. Lipongse Thongtsar said teams are visiting villages across constituencies. Thongtsar said the work includes finance access and technology support. Thongtsar said grievance resolution is also part of field outreach. Thongtsar added that textile sector promotion remains a priority. Thongtsar said this focus aims to lift the rural economy.

PMFME scheme and ODOP support for Nagaland food processing

Jakhalu discussed the Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises PMFME scheme. Jakhalu said it operates under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Jakhalu said Nagaland’s food processing sector is growing and can create jobs. Jakhalu identified food processing as a key area for entrepreneurship. Jakhalu also named textiles, handloom and handicrafts as priority sectors.

Officials said PMFME supports micro food processing enterprises with financial help. The support also covers branding, training and packaging. Officials said technical guidance and market linkage support are included. Officials said the One District One Product ODOP framework guides implementation. The presentations linked the scheme to entrepreneurship and steady economic growth in Nagaland.

Jakhalu praised the Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission for grassroots support. Jakhalu said self-help groups have expanded across the state. Jakhalu urged stronger backing for weavers at the village level. Jakhalu asked women in handloom work to submit names of genuine weavers. Jakhalu said Individual Weavers Sheds aid skills, communication, and access to support.

The department said the session aimed to brief legislators on available schemes. Officials said the focus was on ensuring information reaches rightful beneficiaries. Organisers said outreach work continues through district and village visits. Altogether, 12 legislators attended the session. The department linked better awareness and selection to wider economic gains for Nagaland.

With inputs from PTI