KATHUA, Sep 18: The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), through the MSME-Development & Facilitation Office (DFO), Jammu, in association with the District Administration Kathua, organised a one-day Awareness Programme on Branding and Marketing for beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme at the Conference Hall, DC Office, Kathua.
The programme aimed to sensitise artisans and traditional craftspeople about various aspects of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, with particular emphasis on branding, packaging, digital marketing, financial literacy and market linkages. The initiative focused on helping artisans improve the visibility, presentation and marketability of their traditional products.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, attended the programme as Chief Guest and addressed the participants. In his address, he highlighted the importance of strengthening traditional skills through modern tools, improved product presentation and better access to markets. He encouraged artisans to make optimum use of Government initiatives available for skill development, entrepreneurship and business growth.
D.K. Tyagi, IEDS, Assistant Director, MSME-DFO Jammu, welcomed the participants and briefed them about the objectives of the programme. He also highlighted various MSME schemes aimed at supporting micro enterprises and traditional artisans.
Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary, General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC), Kathua, apprised the gathering about initiatives of the Department of Industries and Commerce and the support available to entrepreneurs and artisans at the district level.
During the technical sessions, detailed presentations were delivered on subjects relevant to PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries. Ajay Kumar, PMU Team, Jammu, gave a presentation on the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, while Suryavanshi Manish Bhagat, JKAS, Functional Manager, DIC Jammu, briefed participants about various UT Government schemes available for artisans and entrepreneurs.
Aman Jasrotia, LDM, SBI, Kathua, conducted a session on loan and banking schemes, financial and digital literacy, and the mechanisms involved in loan sanction and distribution. The session provided participants with information on accessing formal financial services and available credit facilities.
A dedicated session on Branding and Digital/Online Marketing was conducted by Dr. Surekha Sharma, Associate Professor, Marketing Management, Central University Campus, Kathua. She explained the importance of developing a strong brand identity, establishing a digital presence and using online marketing platforms to expand the customer base and improve the market reach of artisan products.
Other technical sessions covered QR code-based solutions, AI tools for artisans, product packaging, labelling and designing, skill development and entrepreneurship training, handloom and handicraft initiatives, and MSME schemes. The sessions were delivered by representatives from India Post, PMU Team Jammu, J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute, RSETI Kathua, Handloom & Handicraft Department and MSME-DFO Jammu.
The programme provided artisans with an opportunity to interact with officials and subject experts and gain practical knowledge about Government support mechanisms, access to finance, skill development, branding and modern marketing techniques.
The initiative also focused on strengthening the integration of traditional artisans with formal markets by equipping them with knowledge and tools relevant to modern business practices.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, marking the successful completion of the awareness and capacity-building initiative aimed at empowering PM Vishwakarma artisans, strengthening their entrepreneurial capabilities and improving their access to markets and business opportunities.