Imphal: A one-day awareness programme on the Chief Minister’s Entrepreneurship Support Scheme (CMESS), under the “One Family One Livelihood” initiative, was organised on Tuesday at the Indian National Army (INA) Auditorium in Moirang, targeting internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region.
The programme, organised by the Planning Department in coordination with the Bishnupur district administration, focused on familiarising participants with key features of CMESS, including collateral-free loans, 100% coverage under the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) and the Manipur Credit Guarantee Scheme (MCGS), and the absence of third-party guarantor requirements.
Deputy Commissioner of Bishnupur Pooja Elangbam said the initiative aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for IDPs through entrepreneurship. She urged participants to identify market demand, assess existing gaps and develop viable business models, emphasising that success depends more on clarity of ideas and determination than on large capital investment.
She highlighted that the government offers financial assistance at different stages of enterprise development through subsidies and loan schemes, and encouraged IDPs to make full use of these provisions. Referring to targeted support for women, she said Self-Help Groups (SHGs) comprising at least 10 active members with functional bank accounts are eligible for special packages upon meeting the required criteria.
Elangbam also stressed the importance of quality and authenticity in products, noting that financial empowerment of women and displaced families would contribute to broader social stability. According to the Planning Department, around 111 IDPs have already received one-time assistance under CMESS, while others with viable business proposals are being encouraged to apply.
She further advised participants to understand procedural aspects, including documentation and implementation processes, and appreciated the strong turnout at the programme.
The event included an interactive session where participants addressed queries with officials. It was attended by Planning Director R.K. Radhesana Devi, Sub-Divisional Officer of Moirang Chirom Somerendro, Lead District Manager of SBI for Imphal West and Thoubal Uttam Luwang, and Director of Globizs Web Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Roshnikumar Yambem.
Stalls set up by the District Industries Centre (DIC) and the Skill Development Centre (SDC) provided on-the-spot assistance to IDPs with documentation and application procedures