BASAR,Oct 3: A TEJAS (Transforming Entrepreneurial Journey Across States & Districts) Workshop aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and emerging opportunities among aspiring entrepreneurs and Self-Help Group (SHG) members of Leparada district was conducted at the Karko Heritage Centre, Basar today.

The workshop was organised by the District Administration, Leparada, in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, Startup India and Arunachal Pradesh Innovation & Investment Park (APIIP), Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Industry partners, including Paytm, Darwin Dynamics and HDFC Bank, also participated in the programme.

The workshop provided a platform for participants to gain insights into entrepreneurship, innovation, digital opportunities, the startup ecosystem, funding avenues, financial services, market access and other avenues for enterprise development. The interactive sessions also enabled aspiring entrepreneurs and SHG members to understand the institutional support and opportunities available for starting, strengthening and scaling enterprises.

The programme was attended by SmtiNyabi Jini Dirchi, MLA, 29-Basar Assembly Constituency, as the Chief Guest, while Shri Nyamar Riba, Zilla Parishad Chairperson, Leparada attended as the Guest of Honour; Ms. Himani Meena (IAS), Deputy Commissioner, Leparada, was present as the Special Invitee.

Addressing the participants, the dignitaries encouraged young entrepreneurs and SHG members to make effective use of the platform and the expertise of the resource persons. They emphasised the need to strengthen existing enterprises, improve productivity and explore avenues for finance, technology, market access and institutional support.

They also encouraged the youth to explore entrepreneurship as an avenue for self-employment and employment generation, stressing that innovative ideas, when supported by appropriate guidance, perseverance and effective execution, can develop into sustainable enterprises and contribute to the local economy.

Dr. Bhuvnesh Pratap Singh, IAS, Director, Startup India, DPIIT, provided an overview of various initiatives of the Government of India aimed at creating awareness, strengthening capacity, providing mentorship and facilitating access to opportunities under the startup ecosystem.

Mr. Kaushik Khanikar, Consultant, APIIP, briefed the participants on the startup ecosystem in Arunachal Pradesh and highlighted key provisions of the State Startup Policy aimed at supporting and nurturing emerging enterprises in the State.

Ms. Vartika Rai, Senior Associate, Darwin Dynamics, shared insights into funding gaps and challenges faced by emerging enterprises, drawing from practical experiences within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Mr. K Baruah, Branch Manager, HDFC Bank, Basar Branch, interacted with the participants and apprised them of banking and financial services relevant to enterprise development.SmtiTorikNyodu Riba, a local SHG member, also shared her entrepreneurial journey and experiences, providing valuable grassroots perspectives and highlighting the opportunities and challenges encountered by local entrepreneurs.

The interactive sessions witnessed active participation from the attendees, who raised queries and sought clarification from the resource persons on various aspects of enterprise development, including funding, technology, banking services, market opportunities and institutional support.

Proposing the vote of thanks, Shri Marto Dirchi, District Planning Officer, Leparada urged the participants, entrepreneurs and SHG members to make optimum use of the support mechanisms and opportunities available through Startup India and APIIP initiatives and to actively pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.

The workshop was coordinated by Ms. Aastha Singh, IAS (P), Assistant Commissioner, Leparadawhose initiative, dedicated efforts and meticulous coordination contributed significantly to the successful and well-organised conduct of the programme. The programme concluded with a focus on strengthening the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and creating stronger linkages between aspiring entrepreneurs and institutional, financial, technological and market opportunities. (DIPRO)