Programmes for Existing Entrepreneurs: EDII experts targeted all-round growth for the region, for which the strategy comprised a three tier intervention plan, including; empowerment of potential entrepreneurs, existing entrepreneurs and creation of a conducive environment. Programmes for local entrepreneurs ensured that they learn about new business trends and practices to expand their wings. Several local entrepreneurs came out of their fixed limits, networked and expanded their areas of operation. This also positively impacted the economy of the region.
Extending Technical Assistance: In order to address infrastructural limitations that some entrepreneurs encounter, EDII extended help to Khadi & Village Industries Board (KVIB) to identify and install equipment suitable for the entrepreneurs of the area. For instance, KVIB, Mizoram was provided technical assistance in identifying and procuring equipment for processing Tung seeds which are available in abundance in Mizoram. KVIB was also aided in setting Tung seed oil mill project. In another landmark turnkey project, for KVIB Mizoram, EDII executed a 100 TPD Mini Sugar Plant in Mizoram.
SME Growth Model: The North Eastern Office made efforts to float an environment favourable for germination and growth of SMEs. State wise workshops were, therefore, regularly organized to ensure coming together of stakeholders such as; donors, implementing agencies, government organizations, banks, business consulting firms and other apex organizations. Such workshops aimed at debating on ways and means to promote SMEs and entrepreneurship in the North Eastern Region.
Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development: Befitting the need of the time, NSTEDB has introduced the ‘Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Project (STED)’ which seeks to familiarise micro, small and medium entrepreneurs with required technological interventions in their enterprises so that they adopt these, and progress to newer levels. The project also encourages potential entrepreneurs to select technologies that are simple and easily comprehensible, allowing them to set up micro enterprises with benefits far greater than conventionally run enterprises. Nalbari district of Assam, comprising 12 blocks, was addressed under this project to help it shun its economic and social backwardness. The detailed five pronged strategy adopted by EDI included:
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Develop appropriate process technologies to set up new enterprises that produce value added products
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Quality upgradation, quality control and technological upgradation of existing micro and small industries
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Strengthen packaging and delivery of products so that with increased shelf life and access to markets, prospects of artisans and entrepreneurs are enhanced
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Develop marketing and distribution channels and linkages
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Create an overall conducive environment for entrepreneurial growth
The areas brought within the fold of the intervention were:
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Engineering
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Chemical
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Furniture
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Textile
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Agro
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Food Processing
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Electrical and Electronics
On the same lines were the skill training programmes for youth under the State Science & Technology Programme Project. The result was conspicuous in the form of hard core science and technology based skills for setting up micro enterprises. The results of the projects reflected in the health, standard of living, orientation towards education, and the overall economic condition and frame of mind.
Cluster Development Model (Integrated Handloom Cluster Development Scheme): DC-Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India had appointed EDII as Cluster Resource cum Monitoring Agency for Mini Handloom Clusters across Manipur (33 clusters), Meghalaya(5 clusters) and Tripura(14 clusters). For Sivasagar Mega Handloom Cluster too, EDII was appointed by DC-Handlooms as the Cluster Management and Technical Agency. The tasks included preparation of diagnostic study and Project Report, extending financial advisory services, working capital intermediation with financial institutions, technical and operational support, overall monitoring and evaluation and structuring and establishment of Special Purpose Vehicle.
EDII’s Agartala Office implemented the Cluster Development Programme (CDP) in the Bamboo Handicrafts cluster at Shankhala, West Tripura under Micro and Small Enterprises-Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP) of the Office of Development Commissioner MSME, Ministry of MSME, Government of India. Activities like technology and design mapping, workshop on design development, advanced skill development programme, product standardization and quality control, exposure visit, website development etc. were successfully undertaken. Under the aegis of the Office of DC-MSME EDII also conducted diagnostic study in the Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) cluster at Dharmanagar, North Tripura to understand the problems and arrive at an action plan comprising hard and soft interventions.
EDII’s Imphal Office is engaged in implementing cluster development programme in the Tribal Garments Cluster, Khonglong, Senapati, Manipur. The activities include; awareness programmes, skill development training, advanced training on finishing, product standardization and quality control, high end design development and creation of design pool, exposure visit, etc.
Common Facility Centre: This significant initiative under the cluster development intervention assured technology upgradation for all MSME entrepreneurs of a given cluster, irrespective of their financial affordability. Appropriate machinery/technologies were housed in a special Centre on a private public partnership (PPP) mode so that all the cluster entrepreneurs availed easy access to modern machinery/technology. EDI has facilitated establishment of common testing laboratory, dye house etc. in different MSME clusters in the eastern region. A CFC which is underway in Tripura and Imphal will house latest machinery and testing facility to enable the cluster in adopting best practices in technology and testing for improvement in quality and productivity of the microenterprises involved in making Bamboo Handicrafts and Tribal Garments respectively.
With the objective of addressing pollution and environmental issues, modernization of Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) in the leather cluster at Bantala, Kolkata was also successfully undertaken.
Revitalizing the Handicrafts Sector: The handicrafts of the North Eastern sector not just mirror the region’s culture and tradition but also play a major role in providing employment to a vast majority of artisans and craftspersons. Considering their importance, a need was felt to enhance productivity, diversity and value addition in handicraft products to ensure their better acceptance in the market. It was realised that this could be satisfactorily achieved by imparting skill training to artisans, introducing them to innovative production processes and promoting market tie-ups. Hence, over a period of two years (2015 to 2017), under the aegis of Development Commissioner-Handicrafts, Govt. of India, the Institute would be organising ‘Handicraft Skill Development Training Programmes’, benefitting more than 300 artisans. Cane and Bamboo Craft sector is the prime target with Meghalaya, Mizoram and Assam being the focus regions.