REASI, Jul 17: MSME-Development & Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Jammu, under the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of India, organized a One-Day Awareness Programme on Branding & Marketing for PM Vishwakarma Scheme Beneficiaries on Friday at the Conference Hall, DC Office, Reasi, in association with the District Administration Reasi.
The programme aimed to sensitize artisans and PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries about branding, marketing strategies, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship development, and the use of digital tools to enhance their competitiveness and income generation.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Aman Singh, Assistant Director, MSME-DFO Jammu, who outlined the objectives of the awareness initiative. The Chief Guest, Krishan Lal, Additional District Development Commissioner, Reasi, emphasized the importance of empowering traditional artisans through modern branding and marketing practices, while also preserving their cultural heritage. The event was graced by Narinder Gupta, Chief Planning Officer, Reasi, as Guest of Honour, who highlighted the role of coordinated efforts between Government departments in supporting artisans.
The technical sessions featured expert presentations from multiple stakeholders. Aman Singh provided an overview of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme and MSME initiatives. Navdeep Wazir, GM DIC Reasi, spoke on the J&K Industrial Policy and PMEGP Scheme. Sorab Mengi, District Nodal Officer JKEDI, highlighted entrepreneurship opportunities under the J&K Entrepreneurship Policy. Shahid Hussain Wani, Young Professional MSME-DFO Jammu, delivered a session on branding and marketing strategies for traditional artisans. Banking and financial literacy were addressed by Mukhtar Ahmed, J&K Bank, while Abilash, India Post Payment Bank, explained QR code-based digital payment solutions.
Ajay Pal Singh, Assistant Manager, PMU Team, demonstrated applications of Artificial Intelligence for artisans to improve product promotion and business growth.
The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Shahid Hussain Wani, Young Professional MSME-DFO Jammu, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, speakers, and participants for their active involvement.
The awareness programme witnessed enthusiastic participation of more than 132 PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries, artisans, entrepreneurs, and officials from various Government departments and financial institutions. The interactive sessions provided practical insights into branding, digital marketing, financial inclusion, and AI applications, thereby equipping artisans with tools to expand their market reach and improve livelihoods.
This initiative reflects the Government of India’s commitment to strengthening the MSME sector and empowering traditional artisans under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, ensuring sustainable growth and integration of local crafts into national and global value chains.