UT set to give renewed thrust to MSME sector

Chandigarh: Chandigarh’s micro and medium scale enterprises (MSME) are set for a big push with the UT industrial department starting to implement its 12-point development programme, which includes establishing a facilitation helpdesk, certifications of quality standards for local units, making city the hub for packaging and innovation, handholding for local units in developing entrepreneurship, facilitating and giving financial support for export promotion, and a dedicated e-portal for units.
Chandigarh is the only union territory whose systematic investment plan (SIP) has been approved by the central government under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme. UT has also started implementing its 12-point SIP for promoting the MSME sector in the city. The Centre has granted UT around Rs 43 crore for the purpose.

Under the programme, the industry department will set up a facilitation helpdesk.
“It will provide resources and expertise to the MSME on marketing strategies, financing and enrolment under different central government MSME schemes,” said an official.
The UT administration will provide financial support to secure certification under the MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme and MSME Competitive (Lean) Scheme.
“These certifications are for quality and productivity for the MSME. ZED certification is available at three levels — bronze, silver and gold. While, the bronze certification is free, others are paid. But in Chandigarh, UT will pay for these certifications,” the official said.