UDHAMPUR: In a significant move towards creating a feasible ecosystem for the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme was launched today in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory with the successful conduct of the first District-Level RAMP Awareness Workshop in Udhampur.

The event, held here at the ITI college, was jointly organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) and Grant Thornton Bharat LLP (SPIU for RAMP), in collaboration with the District Industries Centre (DIC. The event marked the beginning of a series of district-level outreach programs designed to build awareness and capacity among MSMEs, stakeholders, and implementing agencies under the RAMP initiative.

The RAMP scheme, an initiative of the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, supported by the World Bank, is a strategic intervention aimed at revitalizing the MSME sector across India. With a national outlay of ₹6,062.45 crore till FY 2026–27, the scheme focuses on improving market access, financing, digital adoption, greening enterprises, streamlining compliance, and enhancing institutional capacity.

Jammu and Kashmir has been allocated ₹74.03 crore under the scheme, including ₹66.63 crore as the central share and ₹7.40 crore as the UT’s contribution. The Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, has been entrusted with the responsibility of the scheme across the UT. The Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) has been nominated as the Nodal Agency for overall coordination and execution and Implementation of RAMP-related activities.

Managing Director, JKTPO Sudarshan Kumar underlined the strategic significance of the RAMP scheme for the UT. “This scheme directly addresses the on-ground challenges faced by MSMEs, from access to credit and markets to skilling and formalization. Under the guidance of Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, we are committed to ensuring that the RAMP scheme becomes a game changer for MSMEs across Jammu and Kashmir.”

The SPIU Team delivered a detailed presentation, outlining the approved interventions under the RAMP scheme in J&K. These interventions include the formalization of MSMEs through Udyam Registration in the UT of J&K, MSME packaging and publicity of GI/ODOP/DEH/unique products from J&K, and the establishment of producer companies/associations for GI/ODOP/DEH/unique products under cluster development programmes. Additionally, the scheme encompasses buyer-seller meets(BSMs) and reverse buyer-seller meets (RBSM), the Jammu & Kashmir MSMEs Health Clinic, the J&K Ramp M&E Dashboard, Entrepreneurship and skill development programmes (ESDP), Management Development and upskilling of existing entrepreneurs (MDPs), and the penetration of digital financing.

The workshop witnessed active participation from MSME entrepreneurs, officials, and stakeholders. Key functionaries present included Kishor Singh Katoch, General Manager, DIC Udhampur, and Sourabh Sharma, General Manager, JKTPO. SPIU consultants and officials from the Department of Industries and Commerce and ITI Udhampur responded to various stakeholder queries, reaffirming the government’s commitment to grassroots-level implementation.

Furthermore, Management Development Programmes (MDPs) have been initiated in 15 districts across J&K by JKEDI starting from April 15, 2025. Moreover, the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Kashmir has launched a dedicated Awareness cum Formalization Drive today, targeting unregistered enterprises in the Kashmir division, thereby paving the way for broader inclusion under government schemes..

The event concluded with a collective commitment from all stakeholders to maximize the benefits of the RAMP scheme across districts, ensuring that J&K’s MSMEs emerge stronger, more competitive, and more resilient.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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