Integrated Workshop on the RAMP Programme
An Integrated Awareness Workshop under the RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) Programme was successfully organised on Friday, 30 January 2026, from 5:00 PM onwards at Radisson Blu Hotel, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. The workshop was conducted with the objective of strengthening the MSME ecosystem and enhancing the competitiveness, resilience and sustainable growth of micro, small and medium enterprises across the state.
The programme aimed to provide MSME units with comprehensive information on central and state government schemes, export opportunities, financial assistance mechanisms, digital platforms, and quality and certification systems. The event witnessed active participation from senior government officials, industry experts, representatives of financial institutions, and leading industry bodies including Laghu Udyog Bharati, Indian Industries Association (IIA), Handloom and Handicrafts Exporters Welfare Association, Indian Entrepreneurs Association, along with a large number of MSME entrepreneurs.
Role of State Government and Digital Enablement
While welcoming the participants, Raj Kamal Yadav (IAS), Additional Commissioner and Managing Director, UPSIC Limited, highlighted the commitment of the Government of Uttar Pradesh towards strengthening the MSME ecosystem under the RAMP programme. He elaborated on the state-level digital platform developed under RAMP — www.msme1connect.up.gov.in (UP MSME One Connect) — and explained that the portal functions as a comprehensive one-stop digital solution for MSMEs.
He informed that the portal offers facilities such as an incentive calculator, access to expert advisory services, and specialised training programmes aimed at enhancing export competitiveness. Additionally, MSME entrepreneurs can now view real-time availability of industrial and MSME land across different regions, enabling faster and more informed investment decisions. Emphasising the importance of flatted factory complexes, he stated that these facilities provide plug-and-play infrastructure, supporting operational expansion, cost efficiency and productivity enhancement for MSMEs.
Capital Market Access and IPO Opportunities for MSMEs
As part of the workshop, a dedicated technical session was organised on growth opportunities for MSMEs through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). The session featured insights from Krishnan Iyer, Associate Vice President, NSE; Parvathi Murthy, SME Head, NSE; and Nidhi Maheshwari, Senior Manager, NSE.
The speakers provided detailed guidance on connecting MSMEs with capital markets, the fundraising process, compliance requirements, and the long-term benefits of IPO listings. The session highlighted how capital market access can support MSME expansion, improve governance standards, and enhance credibility among investors and stakeholders.
Address by Additional Chief Secretary, MSME and Export Promotion
The key highlight of the programme was the address by Alok Kumar (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary, Department of MSME and Export Promotion, Government of Uttar Pradesh. In his visionary and motivational speech, he emphasised the role of MSMEs as a primary growth engine for both the state and national economy.
He underlined various central and state government schemes and policy initiatives aimed at improving MSME competitiveness and resilience. Referring specifically to the MSME and handicrafts sectors, he noted that the creativity, craftsmanship and artistic excellence of Indian artisans are globally unique. He stated that with scale in production, standardisation and strong value chain integration, MSMEs from Uttar Pradesh can emerge as leaders in global manufacturing.
He also highlighted the significant reduction in migration of MSME workers to other states, reflecting the growing strength and stability of the MSME sector in Uttar Pradesh. This, he noted, is a direct outcome of an enabling industrial environment, robust infrastructure and industry-friendly government policies.
Quality, Exports and Financial Risk Management
Under the programme, a special session on the ZED (Zero Defect Zero Effect) scheme and quality certifications required for export competitiveness was conducted by Sonal Saggi, Managing Director, RSJ Consultancies. The session provided MSMEs with valuable insights on quality enhancement, cost efficiency and meeting global standards.
From the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Government of India, Hemant Kumar, Deputy Director General, guided MSME entrepreneurs on export-related procedures, policy provisions and available opportunities. Additionally, a presentation on Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) schemes was delivered by Aditya Kushik Mohan, focusing on risk coverage, payment security and financial support for exporters.
R K Bharti, Director, Ministry of MSME, Government of India, addressed the participants as chief guest and shared information on various central government support and assistance programmes for MSME development.
Interactive Session and Conclusion
The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session with MSME entrepreneurs and participants. Raj Kamal Yadav (IAS), Managing Director, UPSIC Limited, addressed queries with practical, logical and solution-oriented responses.
At the closing, entrepreneurs were encouraged to adopt innovation, improve quality standards, effectively utilise digital platforms, and explore new export and investment opportunities while maximising the benefits of government support and available resources.
