ANANTNAG: The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), through its field office, Br. MSME Development and Facilitation Office (DFO), Srinagar, organised a District-Level PM Vishwakarma Capacity Building Programme on Branding and Marketing in Anantnag, with the objective of enhancing the business capabilities, market outreach and entrepreneurial potential of traditional artisans.
The programme was graced by Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, as the Chief Guest.
The event was attended by Assistant Director, Br. MSME DFO Srinagar, Saheel Alaqband, IEDS; General Manager, DIC Anantnag, Nazia Hassan; and Lead District Manager (LDM), Mohammad Shafi Bhat, besides officials, stakeholders and a large number of PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries. Around 200 artisans and participants took part in the programme.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated the efforts of Br. MSME DFO Srinagar for organising the capacity-building programme and emphasised the importance of effective implementation of Government of India schemes at the grassroots level. He said that the Government of India has introduced several schemes aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, livelihoods and economic development, and stressed the need for concerted efforts to ensure that the benefits of such schemes reach the intended beneficiaries in an efficient and transparent manner.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasised the need to promote and strengthen traditional crafts so that artisans can transform their traditional skills into sustainable and profitable business ventures. He also highlighted the changing landscape of the agricultural sector, observing that several young people are adopting modern and advanced activities such as high-density orchards, controlled-atmosphere (CA) cultivation and storage, and mushroom cultivation, thereby creating new avenues for income generation and entrepreneurship.
In his keynote address, Assistant Director, Br. MSME DFO Srinagar, highlighted the progress achieved under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir. He stated that the support and cooperation extended by the district administration has played a pivotal role in the effective implementation of the scheme.
He informed the gathering that approximately 93 percent of training under the scheme has been completed in the district, while around 85 percent of toolkits have been delivered to the beneficiaries.
He said that the focus now is to enable PM Vishwakarma artisans to expand their businesses by adopting modern technology, improved packaging, effective branding and digital modes of payment. He emphasised that professional branding and improved product presentation can help traditional artisans enhance the marketability of their products and reach wider markets.
Adnan Ali Khan, Faculty, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), delivered a detailed presentation on branding and marketing. He sensitised the artisans about the importance of developing a strong brand identity, attractive packaging, product positioning and identifying appropriate markets for their products. He also highlighted the role of online platforms and digital marketing in increasing the visibility of traditional products and connecting artisans with a wider customer base.
A dedicated session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) was also conducted for PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries. Representative of the SLPU team delivered a presentation on emerging applications of AI and their potential relevance for traditional artisans and small businesses. The session introduced participants to the use of AI-enabled tools for business activities, marketing, content creation and improving productivity.
Lead District Manager, elaborated on the role being played by banks in supporting artisans and entrepreneurs through various credit facilities and Government-sponsored schemes. He encouraged the participating artisans to make use of available institutional credit facilities for establishing, expanding and strengthening their business ventures.
A representative from Jammu & Kashmir Bank delivered a presentation on various social security schemes available to artisans and entrepreneurs, highlighting their benefits and eligibility criteria. The participants were sensitised about the importance of availing suitable financial and social security support for strengthening their livelihoods and ensuring greater financial security.
Representatives from India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) gave a detailed presentation on QR code generation and digital payments, explaining the benefits of adopting convenient digital payment facilities for business transactions. IPPB and Jammu & Kashmir Bank also put up dedicated stalls at the venue, where PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries were provided on-the-spot assistance for QR code generation.
The programme provided a valuable platform for PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries to gain practical knowledge about branding, marketing, artificial intelligence, financial services, social security schemes and digital business tools. The sessions and facilitation provided at the venue were aimed at helping traditional artisans strengthen their enterprises, enhance their income and connect their products with wider markets.
The programme concluded with an emphasis on continued coordination among the MSME Department, district administration, financial institutions, IPPB and other stakeholders to ensure effective handholding, capacity building and sustained support to PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries.
