The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Promotion Council of India (PCI), Mokokchung District, inaugurated its office at Arkong Ward, Mokokchung on March 17. The event was graced by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Mokokchung, Chumlamo Humtsoe, as the special guest.
Addressing the gathering at the inaugural programme of the MSME PCI office in Mokokchung, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Chumlamo Humtsoe expressed optimism that the establishment of the office would be a game changer for aspiring entrepreneurs in the district. He emphasized that while Nagaland offers abundant business opportunities, many ventures fail due to a lack of proper guidance and mentorship.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Mokokchung, Chumlamo Humtsoe < Insert caption >
Humtsoe highlighted that a conducive business environment is essential for sustainable growth and stressed that knowledge-sharing among business communities could significantly improve the success rate of startups in Nagaland. He remarked that while a few entrepreneurs in the state have achieved success, many first-generation entrepreneurs struggle due to inadequate guidance and support. He encouraged ward members and villagers to impart knowledge and motivate young individuals to start businesses, thereby nurturing a culture of entrepreneurship.
“The business community has unlimited opportunities, unlike government servants whose scope is limited. If we provide the right guidance and support, we can significantly improve the success rate of startups in Nagaland,” Humtsoe stated. He also urged the council to ensure that the MSME office becomes a vibrant center of activity, accessible to young entrepreneurs and aspiring business individuals.
Expressing his hope that the MSME office would be available round the clock to cater to the needs of the business community, Humtsoe pledged the administration’s full support in nurturing entrepreneurship and empowering the youth of Mokokchung.
Khupsuanlal Hanghal, Chief Manager of the State Bank of India (SBI), Bazaar Branch, Mokokchung, emphasized the importance of financial literacy and the need for entrepreneurs to utilize banking facilities efficiently.
In his address, Hanghal expressed concern over the lack of knowledge about banking services among the business community in Mokokchung. He pointed out that many entrepreneurs still rely on personal savings accounts for business transactions instead of using current accounts, which are better suited for business operations. He advised the business community to open current accounts to ensure smooth and hassle-free transactions, enhancing their business credentials.
Hanghal further highlighted that tribal communities often struggle with proper documentation, such as Income Tax Returns (ITR) and Goods and Services Tax (GST) compliance. He stressed that paying GST is not a loss for businesses but a contribution that supports the sales process. He urged entrepreneurs to register with the District Administration and comply with documentation norms to avoid financial setbacks.
Expressing concern over the increasing cases of cyber fraud in Mokokchung, Hanghal cautioned against falling prey to easy money schemes and illegal online gambling, which have made Mokokchung a hub of such activities. He encouraged people to avoid these traps and instead utilize legitimate banking and financial institutions to safeguard their earnings.
Khupsuanlal Hanghal, Chief Manager, SBI, Bazaar Branch, Mokokchung
Hanghal also emphasized the importance of maintaining a good credit score, stating that a strong credit profile ensures lower interest rates on loans and better financial opportunities. He advised the business community to monitor their credit portfolios and exercise caution while using credit cards to avoid negative impacts.
Highlighting the government’s initiatives, Hanghal urged entrepreneurs to take advantage of schemes such as MSME Startup India and Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative Scheme (CMFIS). Also suggested Mudra Schemes, which support tribal and female entrepreneurs, including new and greenfield projects with financial assistance ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore. He stressed that Mudra schemes, introduced by the Government of India and implemented through SBI, do not require detailed project reports and can be availed with verbal communication.
“Why risk your own capital when the bank can take the risk?” Hanghal remarked, urging entrepreneurs to benefit from government schemes rather than relying solely on personal investments. He called upon councils and civil society organizations to educate the public about these schemes and promote financial literacy to ensure sustainable economic growth in the region.
Lanuakum Jamir, State Chairman of MSME PCI, Nagalan
Lanuakum Jamir, State Chairman of MSME PCI, Nagaland, highlighted the significance of establishing the MSME office in Mokokchung, the first district in Nagaland to do so. In his address at the inaugural programme, he emphasized that MSMEs contribute 30% of India’s GDP and play a crucial role in employment generation, wealth creation, innovation, and boosting local economies.
Jamir underscored the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make India a Viksit Bharat by 2047, coinciding with the 100th year of India’s Independence. He stressed that for Nagaland to align with this national vision, the youth must embrace innovation and entrepreneurship. “We are living in an era of information and technology. It’s time for us to produce something, innovate, and contribute to economic progress,” he remarked.
Encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs, Jamir stated that the MSME office will serve as a vital link between entrepreneurs and various support systems. He invited entrepreneurs to seek advice, share ideas, collaborate, and explore funding opportunities to ensure progress in Mokokchung and beyond. He highlighted that members can directly apply for loans online, provided they have the necessary documentation, and assured that MSME PCI would guide them through the process while adhering to transparency and accountability standards.
Jamir further emphasized the importance of e-commerce and urged entrepreneurs to utilise
platforms like Amazon and Flipkart to sell their products online. He informed that MSME registration for online sales requires only a nominal fee of Rs 1,000, and logistics management plays a critical role in ensuring business success.
Addressing the need to enhance product quality, Jamir introduced the Zero Defect, Zero Effect (ZED) training program, designed to improve product standards through scientific training. He mentioned that certified industry experts and scientists would be engaged to provide training, ensuring that products meet international quality standards.
Jamir also highlighted the potential of cluster development under the SFURTI scheme, which aims to promote traditional industries. He revealed that while there are currently seven clusters in Nagaland, there is potential to establish seven clusters in each district to boost local production and employment.
Expressing his passion to transform Nagaland’s entrepreneurial landscape, Jamir reflected on his career journey from sectors such as telecom and banking (Aircel and HDFC) to 16 years of cooperative work. “I felt the need to do something for the people. The upcoming youth must be the hope and vision that drives progress in Nagaland,” he said.
He concluded by assuring the audience that MSME PCI, Mokokchung, is committed to supporting entrepreneurs and guiding them through documentation processes, loan applications, and quality improvements and help sustainable economic growth in the district.
Bendangnukshi Jamir, Chairman of MSME PCI, Mokokchung District
Bendangnukshi Jamir, Chairman of MSME PCI, Mokokchung District, delivered the welcome and introductory speech, emphasizing that the event was not merely the opening of an office but a significant step towards addressing the unemployment crisis in Nagaland. He highlighted that over 71,322 educated youths in the state remain unemployed, while annual state government recruitment accommodates only 600-700 candidates. He stressed that MSME initiatives could play a crucial role in bridging this gap by nurturing entrepreneurship and promoting small-scale industries.
As part of this effort, Jamir announced the launch of the PM Vishwakarma initiative, aimed at supporting artisans and craftsmen in the district. The initiative offers a seven-day skill enhancement training program with a stipend of Rs 500 per day for each participant, a Rs 15,000 e-voucher for tools, and a Rs 3 lakh loan, disbursed in two installments. He urged financial institutions to facilitate smooth access to loans for beneficiaries and called for collective support from the district administration and civil societies to ensure the success of the program in addressing unemployment and fostering economic growth in the region.
