Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!š Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. SRINAGAR: The Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Srinagar, organised an MSME Design Awareness Programme at the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology campus in Leh. The programme was sponsored by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and witnessed participation from around 70 MSME entrepreneurs, startup founders, students, and stakeholders from the Leh region.
Officials said the sessions focused on the MSME Design Scheme, funding support mechanisms, eligibility criteria, and application procedures. Experts highlighted the role of design-led innovation in improving product value, branding, and market competitiveness for enterprises operating in remote and high-altitude regions.
Key sectors discussed during the programme included pashmina and wool-based products, eco-tourism, organic farming, solar energy applications and apricot processing. Speakers emphasised that structured design intervention and technical support can help modernise traditional industries and expand their market reach.
In his message, NIT Srinagar Director Prof. Binodh Kumar Kanaujia underlined the importance of region-specific design solutions to strengthen local enterprises and enhance self-reliance. He stressed that innovation-driven MSMEs can play a significant role in boosting Ladakhās economy. Instituteās Registrar, Prof. Atikur Rehman, said there is a need for stronger academia-industry collaboration to accelerate innovation in Ladakhās priority sectors.
"The structured mentoring, prototype development support, and capacity-building initiatives can help entrepreneurs translate ideas into commercially viable products and expand their outreach beyond regional markets," he added. Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, Prof. Hanief, said that technical inputs and systematic product development strategies can enhance the durability, quality standards, and competitiveness of local products.
Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran, Nodal Officer for the MSME Design Scheme, presented detailed guidelines on financial assistance patterns and implementation processes. He encouraged entrepreneurs to adopt sustainable and technology-driven approaches to convert local resources into high-value products. The programme concluded with an interactive session where participants discussed challenges related to market access, logistics, and scaling up production. Organisers reiterated their commitment to supporting MSME development initiatives in Ladakh.
