A one-day national workshop aimed at improving procurement access and marketing support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) was organised on February 3, 2026, at Hotel Lemon Tree in Sri Vijaya Puram. The programme was conducted by the Branch MSME–Development & Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, based at the Dollygunj Industrial Estate.
The workshop brought together around 130 participants, including MSME entrepreneurs, Self Help Group representatives and other key stakeholders, reflecting significant interest from the local business ecosystem in government-supported market access initiatives.
The primary objective of the programme was to create awareness about the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), Bar Code Registration, the Procurement and Marketing Support (PMS) Scheme, and other central MSME schemes designed to enhance visibility and market reach for small businesses. Officials highlighted that increased participation in these platforms could help MSMEs access institutional buyers and government procurement opportunities more effectively.
G.K. Sinha, Assistant Director In-charge of the Branch MSME–DFO, Sri Vijaya Puram, delivered the welcome address and presented the theme of the workshop. In his address, the focus was placed on strengthening the competitiveness of MSMEs by familiarising entrepreneurs with digital procurement platforms and compliance mechanisms that are increasingly becoming mandatory for participation in organised markets.
The technical session featured expert presentations on key MSME support mechanisms. Detailed briefings were provided on the Government e-Marketplace, Bar Code Registration processes, the Procurement and Marketing Support Scheme, and other MSME-focused initiatives of the Union government. The presentations were delivered by Tanuj, representing the Branch MSME–DFO, who outlined eligibility criteria, registration procedures, and benefits available to enterprises and SHGs.
Participants were also given an opportunity to seek clarifications during an open house question-and-answer session that followed the technical presentations. Queries raised by entrepreneurs largely focused on onboarding processes for GeM, documentation requirements, and the scope of marketing assistance available under the PMS Scheme.
Officials stated that such awareness programmes are essential for enabling MSMEs to integrate with formal supply chains and government procurement systems. The workshop underscored the role of digital platforms and standardisation tools, such as barcoding, in improving product traceability and market acceptance.
The programme concluded with interactions between officials and participants, with emphasis on continued engagement and capacity-building initiatives for MSMEs in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
