Dimapur: A high-level coordination meeting between officials of the Centre and the Nagaland government was held in Kohima on Monday, focusing on strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as key drivers of economic growth.
The meeting, held at the Chief Secretary’s conference hall, aimed to bring all relevant departments onto a common platform to enhance coordination and maximise benefits for the state’s people.
Secretary in the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, SCL Das, underscored the need for stronger convergence, coordination and collaboration among departments to accelerate MSME development in Nagaland. He clarified that the interaction was not a review exercise but a platform for dialogue and partnership, designed to align central support with the state’s development priorities.
Das noted that Nagaland’s growth forms an integral part of India’s broader economic trajectory and reiterated the Centre’s commitment to supporting the state. He emphasised that MSMEs are not confined to a single sector or department, but cut across industries such as textiles, food processing, steel and electronics, making them a critical component of the national economy.
“Greater convergence is essential to maximise impact and ensure that benefits reach the intended stakeholders,” he said, adding that the discussions would also help identify areas where coordination can be strengthened to achieve shared goals.
Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary in the MSME Ministry, presented the Centre’s vision of fostering globally competitive and sustainable MSMEs. She highlighted the importance of empowering women, traditional artisans and craftspeople by promoting enterprise creation and ensuring inclusive growth.
Chairing the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary and Agriculture Production Commissioner V Shashank Shekhar stressed the need for collective efforts and better convergence to ensure effective implementation of development programmes.
Officials from various departments presented updates on ongoing initiatives, while also flagging key challenges in marketing and exports. They outlined the support required to scale up production and expand market access, signalling the need for targeted interventions to strengthen the MSME ecosystem in the state.