The Reserve Bank of India, Shillong organised an MSME Awareness Camp in the city on Thursday ahead of International MSME Day, bringing together around 150 existing and aspiring entrepreneurs from across Meghalaya.
The programme, held at the State Convention Centre as part of a week-long observance leading up to International MSME Day on June 27, saw participation from government departments, banks, financial institutions and industry stakeholders.
The event was inaugurated by Olden Nongpluh, General Manager (Officer-in-Charge), RBI Shillong, while Moon Lander Wanshnong, Director of the Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Meghalaya, attended as the chief guest.
Senior officials from the Directorate of Commerce and Industries Centre (DCIC), NABARD, SIDBI, MSME Development and Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Meghalaya Rural Bank, State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Canara Bank and other institutions also participated.
Addressing the gathering, RBI officials highlighted several initiatives aimed at strengthening financing for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including Priority Sector Lending targets, the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS), the Unified Lending Interface and measures to promote formalisation and timely access to credit.
Entrepreneurs were also encouraged to adopt digital payments, maintain credit discipline and embrace digital bookkeeping practices.
Speaking on the occasion, Olden Nongpluh described MSMEs as the “nurseries of entrepreneurship” and underscored their vital role in driving economic growth, generating employment and fostering innovation.