Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India — Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises · PIB Imphal · Read the original release on pib.gov.in
A One-Day Awareness Programme on Branding and Marketing under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme (FY 2026–27) was organized by the MSME Development & Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Imphal, on 06 October 2026 (Tuesday) at the Training Hall, Waikhom Mani Girls’ College, Thoubal, Manipur. The programme brought together around 150 PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries representing various traditional trades, along with key stakeholders, to strengthen awareness on branding, marketing, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and institutional support.
Shri M. Siva Sai Reddy, IEDS, Assistant Director, Programme Coordinator and In-charge, PM Vishwakarma Scheme, MSME-DFO, Imphal, presented an overview of the status and progress of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme and highlighted key initiatives undertaken under the Scheme. He also elaborated on its various components and the support available to artisans for strengthening their skills, enterprises and livelihoods.
The inaugural session was graced by Smt. Yumnam Robita, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Thoubal District, as the Chief Guest. In her address, she emphasized the importance of preserving traditional crafts while embracing innovation, entrepreneurship, branding and market-oriented approaches to enhance the income and livelihoods of traditional artisans.
Shri Oinam Deben Singh, General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC), Thoubal, also addressed the participants and highlighted the importance of institutional support in promoting and strengthening local enterprises. Dr. Sorokhaibam Shyamkiran Singh, Vice Principal and SPOC, Waikhom Mani Girls’ College, highlighted the importance of skilling and capacity building in enhancing employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for youth. He also highlighted the college’s role as a Skill Hub in supporting skill development and capacity-building initiatives.
The programme featured a series of technical sessions aimed at enhancing the entrepreneurial capabilities and market readiness of PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries. Shri Ngangom Birajit Singh, Lead District Manager (LDM), conducted a session on financial literacy, credit linkages and institutional support, providing beneficiaries with information on available financial services and credit facilities.
Shri Laishram Monoranjan Singh, Chief Executive Officer, KB PHILANTHROPY-5, delivered a session on productivity enhancement through skill development, market trends and sales strategies. Shri Jiban Khundrakpam, Branding Consultant, Manipro Branding Solutions, conducted a session on entrepreneurship development, export opportunities, branding, packaging and product design, with emphasis on improving the marketability and competitiveness of traditional products.
Shri Sourabh Kumar Singh, IEDS, Assistant Director, Ministry of MSME, sensitized participants on MSME schemes and Udyam Registration. A dedicated session by Kashing Shingnaisui, Young Professional, MSME-DFO, Imphal, introduced beneficiaries to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for business growth and market development, including product photography, branding and digital content creation. The session also covered QR Code generation and digital adoption to facilitate digital payments and improve business visibility.
The programme provided PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries with practical knowledge on branding, packaging, product design, market trends, sales strategies, financial access, digital tools and entrepreneurship development. The sessions emphasized the adoption of modern marketing practices and digital technologies to enhance the visibility, competitiveness and market potential of traditional artisans and their products.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks and an interactive session during which beneficiaries raised queries relating to training, loans, toolkit distribution and registration, providing an opportunity for direct interaction between beneficiaries and stakeholders.
This is an official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), reproduced as issued.
