Centre Approves New Guidelines To Promote MSMEs In North Eastern Region, Sikkim

The central government has approved new guidelines for the central sector scheme "Promotion of MSMEs in North Eastern Region and Sikkim” to enhance productivity and competitiveness. 

The ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) said that the scheme will be implemented during the 15th finance commission cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26). 

"The scheme is envisaged to provide financial support for enhancing the productivity and competitiveness as well as capacity building of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the NER and Sikkim," it said. 

Talking about the scheme, it also envisages financial assistance to state governments for setting up new and modernisation of existing mini technology centres. 

"Projects for creation of common facilities to supplement manufacturing, testing, packaging, R&D, product and process innovations and training for natural resources such as fruits, spices, agriculture, forestry, sericulture and bamboo etc. available in NER and Sikkim would be given priority," it sakd. 

The financial assistance of the central government will be 90 per cent. The projects with a total project cost of more than Rs 15.00 crore, will also be considered but maximum assistance shall be limited to Rs 13.50 crore, the ministry added. 

For the development of new and existing industrial estates, government assistance will be 90 per cent. The maximum project cost for calculation of assistance shall be Rs 15.00 crore for the development of a new industrial estate whereas Rs 10.00 crore for the development of an existing Industrial Estate.