The MSME Development & Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Imphal organised a One-Day Awareness Programme on Branding and Marketing under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme (FY 2026–27) at the Training Hall, Government ITI, Takyel, Imphal West, Manipur, on Friday. Around 150 PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries representing various traditional trades participated in the programme.

The programme aimed to strengthen the entrepreneurial, marketing, financial and digital capabilities of PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries while creating awareness about the various support mechanisms available under the Scheme.

Welcoming the dignitaries, resource persons and participants, Shri Manoj Sharma, IEDS, Assistant Director, MSME Development & Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Imphal, highlighted the objectives of the programme.

Presenting an overview of the implementation of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in Manipur, Shri M. Siva Sai Reddy, IEDS, Assistant Director, Programme Coordinator and In-charge, PM Vishwakarma Scheme, MSME Development & Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Imphal, outlined the status, progress and key initiatives undertaken under the Scheme. He also highlighted the achievements made and the Office's efforts towards ensuring its effective implementation across the State.

Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Smt. Hannah Kamei, IAS, Director, Trade, Commerce and Industries, Government of Manipur, emphasised the importance of preserving traditional crafts while embracing innovation, entrepreneurship, branding and market-oriented approaches to improve the income and livelihoods of traditional artisans.

Shri Longjam Subhaschandra Singh, Joint Director, Directorate of Craftsmen & Training, encouraged beneficiaries to continuously upgrade their skills and effectively utilise the opportunities available under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme for enterprise development. Shri A. Loken Singh, General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC), highlighted the support mechanisms available for artisans and encouraged beneficiaries to formalise and expand their enterprises by availing Government schemes.

The technical sessions covered a wide range of subjects relevant to artisans and micro entrepreneurs. Shri Masotmi Zimik, State Engagement Officer, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), delivered a session on "Enhancing Productivity through Skill Development, Market Trends, and Sales Strategies," highlighting the importance of continuous skill upgradation, changing market trends and effective sales strategies. Dr. Meitram Luwang, Lead District Manager (LDM), spoke on "Financial Literacy, Credit Linkages, and Institutional Support for PM Vishwakarma Beneficiaries," explaining banking procedures, responsible financial management, digital banking services and institutional support available to artisans.

Smt. H. Shubhra Devi, Founder, Meira Foods, conducted a session on "Entrepreneurship Development, Export Opportunities, Branding, Packaging, and Product Design," with emphasis on value addition, branding, packaging, product design and export opportunities for traditional products. Shri Sourabh Kumar Singh, IEDS, Assistant Director, Ministry of MSME, also briefed the participants on various MSME schemes and the benefits of Udyam Registration/Udyam Assist Registration, encouraging beneficiaries to formalise their enterprises and avail the benefits extended to MSMEs.

A special session on "Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Business Growth and Market Development and QR Code Generation" was conducted by Ms. Kashing Shingnaisui, Young Professional, MSME Development & Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Imphal. The session demonstrated the use of practical Artificial Intelligence tools for product photography, branding, content creation, social media marketing, customer engagement and business growth.

Beneficiaries were also sensitised on the importance of QR Code generation and digital payment systems to enhance customer convenience, strengthen business credibility and promote digital financial inclusion. India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) and PhonePe participated in the programme as Digital Payment Aggregator (DPA) partners. During the programme, 13 PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries successfully generated QR codes for digital payment acceptance. India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) also extended on-site support for opening savings accounts for eligible beneficiaries to improve their access to formal banking services.

An interactive Question & Answer (Q&A) session enabled beneficiaries to seek clarifications on training stipend disbursement, loan sanction and disbursement, toolkit distribution, Udyam Registration, eligibility for Advanced Skill Training and other implementation-related issues under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. The concerned officials responded by explaining the prescribed procedures and providing guidance on grievance redressal and follow-up mechanisms.

The programme successfully enhanced awareness among PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries on entrepreneurship development, skill upgradation, financial literacy, branding, packaging, product design, market trends, sales strategies, export opportunities, MSME schemes, digital marketing, Artificial Intelligence, QR Code generation and digital financial inclusion. It also strengthened stakeholder coordination and provided an effective platform for addressing beneficiary concerns, thereby contributing to the effective implementation of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in the State.

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