POONCH, FEBRUARY 21: District Industries Centre (DIC) Poonch and PHDCCI jointly organised a mega awareness-cum-outreach programme under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) initiative of the Government of India today.
Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma was the chief guest on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the DC emphasised that this is the age of entrepreneurship and urged the youth to actively engage in business ventures. He advised the audience to avail the benefits of various schemes, including Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), PMEGP and Mumkin/Yuva Scheme. He specifically stressed the importance of starting any venture by protecting the idea through Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) filing, which can be expertly mentored and facilitated by the PHDCCI-IPFC Centre of DC-MSME.
The event, held as part of the ongoing RAMP 2025–26 cycle, aimed to sensitise local entrepreneurs, artisans and stakeholders about key interventions designed to strengthen the MSME sector.
In a significant move to bolster the industrial ecosystem of the border district, the DIC Poonch, in collaboration with the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), organised this comprehensive awareness programme. The event was specifically tailored for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), aspiring entrepreneurs, startups and academicians of Poonch.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by General Manager DIC Poonch Naeem ul Nissa. She welcomed the dignitaries and participants, providing an overview of key developmental programmes offered by the Industries and Commerce Department. She highlighted flagship initiatives including the RAMP Scheme, Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and MSME Design Clinic Scheme, encouraging local businesses to leverage these opportunities for growth and modernisation.
During the technical sessions, the Deputy Director PHDCCI delivered a detailed address on the MSME Innovative Scheme. He elaborated on the crucial services provided by the Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC), operating under the DC-MSME in Jammu and Kashmir. Attendees were informed about the centre’s role in assisting innovators with the filing of Trademarks, Patents, Designs and Geographical Indications (GI).
Adding depth to the discussion, Expert on IPFC and Business Development Shahid Khan delivered a detailed presentation on the importance of filing for IPR. He explained the processes involved in securing trademarks, patents and designs, illustrating how securing an idea through IPR can drive business growth, provide legal security and offer a competitive edge.
The event witnessed good participation and provided a vital platform for interaction between industry experts, government officials and the local business community.
