Nishant Kumar Yadav, IAS, Secretary Industries, Chandigarh Administration formally inaugurates the upgraded infrastructure of RAMP

As part of the Government of India’s efforts to boost the MSME sector, the Ministry of MSME (MoMSME) launched the five-year Programme-for-Results (P for R) initiative -Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme, supported by the World Bank. This scheme aims to improve MSMEs’ access to markets and credit, strengthen institutional and governance structures at both the Centre and State levels, and address key issues like delayed payments, while promoting the sustainability of MSMEs.

Chandigarh Administration has been an active participant in the RAMP programme. The UT’s Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) prepared with support from M/s EY LLP – RAMP SPIU, Chandigarh to participate in the programme, was submitted to the Government of India on February 22, 2024, and was subsequently approved by MoMSME, with a grant of INR 43.07 Crores sanctioned for the proposed interventions. A total of 12 key interventions were approved under this plan.

One of the critical interventions under the SIP is the MSME Facilitation Helpdesk, which includes the upgradation of IT infrastructure within the Department of Industries, U.T. Chandigarh. As part of this initiative, the Department procured advanced IT infrastructure, significantly enhancing its technological readiness. This has enabled the establishment of a fully functional Conference Room, as well as the setup of other essential facilities, including the MSME Facilitation Helpdesk & Global Information & Market Facilitation (GIFT) Cell Room, Programme Implementation Unit (PIU) Room, RAMP State Programme Implementation Unit (SPIU) Room, and Reception Area. The Chief Guest, Sh. Nishant Kumar Yadav, IAS, Secretary Industries, Chandigarh Administration formally inaugurate the upgraded infrastructure. The event commenced with a warm welcome by Sh. Paviter Singh, PCS, Director of Industries, U.T. Chandigarh, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of the newly refurbished Conference Room and other facilities.

In his address, Nishant Kumar Yadav commended the Department’s efforts in strengthening the MSME sector within Chandigarh, acknowledging the significant progress made under the RAMP programme. He emphasized the importance of continued technological upgrades and the facilitation of resources to ensure MSMEs can thrive in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Paviter Singh, PCS, Director of Industries, U.T. Chandigarh, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the successful implementation of the programme.