The two-day Vendor Development Programme (VDP) seminar concluded at Namchi.

The two-day Vendor Development Programme (VDP) seminar, exhibition, and buyer-seller meet successfully concluded at Central Park, Namchi, today.

The programme was organized by the Development & Facilitation Office (DFO), Gangtok, under the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, in collaboration with the Small Industrial Development Bank of India (SIDBI).

On the final day, a technical session with various stakeholders was conducted by resource persons.

At the onset of the technical session, Ms Lamin Theengh Deputy Director TIC Namchi highlighted the key promotional aspects and business avenues in tourism sector of the state. She went on to discuss various aspects of tourism, including Eco-Tourism, Cultural and Spiritual Tourism, and Adventure Tourism,while emphasizing key promotional strategies such as Sikkim’s focus on sustainable and responsible tourism.

She also highlighted the immense potential of Rural and Agro-Tourism in promoting rural tourism and offering unique experiences of local culture and agriculture. Additionally, she spoke about the pivotal role of the Sikkim state government in promoting tourism through several initiatives, including the Sikkim Tourism Policy and the SIKKIM INSPIRES initiative.

Under this initiatives, various opportunities and training programme are provided for Sikkim’s youth to engage in different sectors, aiming to foster sustainable tourism and enhance infrastructure. Moreover, efforts to improve and promote hotels, and transportation services were also discussed.

Ms Dipti Rai, AD TIC Namchi, shared valuable insights into the registration process for homestays, travel agencies, and hotels. She also elaborated on how entrepreneurs can leverage Sikkim’s growing tourism industry and the future prospects in the sector.

Mr Bhim Rai Coordinator MSME Namchi District talked about various Central Government sponsored financial assistance and subsidized schemes provided though MSME to entrepreneurs like PM Vishwakasma Yojana, Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). Further, he also explained the registration process, toolkit incentives, credit support, incentives for digital transaction and marketing support.

Mr Enosh Kumar State Head (GeM) Gangtok briefed the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Portal and GeM apps. He informed that Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is the Public Procurement Portal for procurement of goods and services for all Central Government and State Government Ministries, Departments, Public Sector Units (PSUs) and affiliated and provides information about various business opportunities available for sellers and service providers. It also helps users explore and bid on government procurement tenders, fostering a competitive and transparent marketplace.

Mr Nirmal Chowdhury, Assistant Director (MSME-DFO), spoke about the aims and objectives of the programme and importance roles of MSME and creating awareness on enabling policies for “Atma Nirbhar Bharat”, Be Vocal for Local, Public Procurement Policy etc.

The programme saw the presence of Mr Nirmal Chowdhury, AD (MSME-DFO) Gangtok, Ms Lamin Theengh Deputy Director TIC Namchi, Ms Dipti Rai AD TIC Namchi, Mr Enosh Kumar State Head GeM (Gangtok) Ms Smita Rai Dist. Coordinator Namchi (SEED CELL) along with teachers, students, SHGs, entrepreneur and staff of MSME.

• – IPR