KISHTWAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO), in collaboration with the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) under the RAMP Program (Raising and Accelerating MSME Productivity) and District Industries Centre (DIC) Kishtwar, organized a District-Level RAMP Awareness Workshop today at the DC Office, Kishtwar.

The program is being conducted under the overall supervision of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

The workshop is one of many district-level initiatives being carried out across Jammu and Kashmir under the RAMP scheme. These initiatives are designed to improve awareness of the various support mechanisms available to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The workshops aim to create a supportive environment for MSME growth through targeted interventions, capacity building, and better access to markets and finance.

The session was chaired by Mr. Pradeep Shan, Assistant Director, Handicrafts & Handloom Department, Kishtwar, and witnessed enthusiastic participation of over 70 officers and stakeholders from various departments. The objective of the workshop was to create widespread awareness among departmental officers and field-level functionaries about various initiatives under the World Bank-supported RAMP Program for MSME sector strengthening in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir

Key dignitaries at the workshop included officials from JKEDI, Labour& Employment, the Labour Department, the Lead District Manager (LDM) of Kishtwar, managers from J&K Bank's Cluster Office in Kishtwar, the Deputy General Manager (DGM) of SICOP, representatives from the J&K SC, ST, OBC Development Corporation, representatives from the Skill Development Department (ITI Kishtwar), officials from NABARD, and other officers from the District Industries Centre (DIC) Kishtwar.

During the workshop, the representatives from SPIU, Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, provided a comprehensive overview of the RAMP program, including its key components such as access to credit, skilling, technology upgradation, and marketing support for MSMEs. Emphasis was laid on the importance of coordinated efforts among all stakeholder departments to facilitate seamless implementation of RAMP interventions at the district level.

Pradeep Shan highlighted the critical role of field-level officers in driving awareness among the MSME units and artisans about government schemes and support mechanisms under the RAMP framework. He urged all departments to work in close synergy to ensure that benefits reach the grassroots level.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion where officers shared valuable suggestions and expressed their commitment to supporting the growth and development of the MSME sector in Kishtwar through active participation in the RAMP initiatives.