RAMP Scheme Giving New Direction to Himachal’s Entrepreneurs

Awareness Workshop Organized in Solan to Promote Innovation and Growth in the MSME Sector
Solan, October 13, 2025

The Department of Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh, organized an awareness workshop in District Solan under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme. The workshop aimed to highlight the scheme’s role in strengthening progress, innovation, and competitiveness in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.

Addressing the participants, Mr. Surender Thakur, General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC), Solan, informed that under the RAMP scheme of the Central Government, clusters are being developed for small entrepreneurs through the Micro and Small Enterprises Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP). He added that this World Bank-supported initiative is one of the most significant reform-based programs of the Ministry of MSME, focusing on enhancing financial stability, technological empowerment, and market access for enterprises. Participants were also briefed about other initiatives such as the GIFT and SPICE schemes.

Mr. Ashok Kumar Gautam, Development and Facilitation Officer (DFO), Ministry of MSME, Government of India, provided detailed information about various Central Government schemes aimed at promoting MSME growth. He guided participants on the Udyam Registration process and explained how entrepreneurs can avail themselves of the benefits of Central schemes through the State Government.

The workshop also witnessed the presence of Mr. Gagan Kumar, Economic Investigator, DIC Solan; Mr. Sunil Kaushik, Extension Officer, DIC Solan; and Mr. Vinod Kumar, Extension Officer, Kunihar, among others.

Experts from the Industries Department emphasized that the RAMP scheme is particularly beneficial for hilly states like Himachal Pradesh, as it addresses key challenges such as limited credit flow, market access, and low formalization. The program promotes innovation, digitalization, and sustainable industrial development in the region.

Mr. Vivek Tiwari elaborated that, under the cluster system, enterprises are being provided access to high-end technology, machinery, and equipment at the cluster level through the MSE-CDP. The session also covered the MSME Greening Initiative, highlighting the importance of adopting environmentally sustainable practices and enhancing competitiveness.

Discussions were also held on the significance of Common Facility Centres (CFCs), which play a vital role in strengthening the quality, competitiveness, and growth of micro enterprises. Participants deliberated on the challenges and opportunities for local industries through these centres.

Over 100 participants attended the workshop, including representatives from artisan groups, tourism-related MSMEs, members of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs/FPCs), and budding entrepreneurs. The District Solan RAMP Team was also present during the event.