JAMMU, DECEMBER 31: MSME-DFO Jammu under Ministry of MSME, Govt of India conducted MSME EXPO-cum-National Vendor Development Programme here in Jammu Haat from 21st to 31st December, 2022.The programme was inaugurated by Anoo Malhotra, Director General, Department of Industries and Commerce, Jammu in presence of G Velladurai, Joint Director & Head, MSME-DFO Jammu. CPSUs& Departments including POWERGRID, IOCL, HPCL, NSIC, GEM, SIDCO, SICOP, SIDBI participated in EXPO-2022. Jammu Haat was fully booked by the MSME department for the participation of 102 MSME’s from 8 different states and 4 UTs.Naik Qayoom and Tariq Ahmad of Srinagar were appreciated by the Chief Guest for their innovation in developing Seed Sowing Machine and Safaroon Processing Machine respectively.During the technical sessions officers from HPCL, IOCL, NSIC, POWERGRID, GEM delivered lectures and explained the purchase procedures of their departments. In the Feedback session the participants expressed their satisfaction in the program. Participation certificates were also distributed among the participating MSMEs.In his welcome address, G Velladurai, Joint Director, MSME DFO Jammu discussed the aim and objectives of the event. He mentioned that UT of J&K is progressing day by day which is evident from the rise in the number of Udyam registrations. Currently 1.60 lakh MSMEs are registered in UT of J&K as MSMEs on Udyam Portal.Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest, Anoo Malhotra congratulated MSME DFO office for organizing the grand programme which provides market accessibility to the MSME units. She deliberated on the fact that Jammu region needs multiple common facility centers for promotion and growth of MSMEs in the region. She said Industrial associations should come forward to avail the benefits from the wide range of schemes that ministry of MSME offers and ensure complete support from her office. The PMEGP scheme has proved a game changer for the UT and unemployed youth should come forward and avail the scheme and become job giver rather than job seeker.Saheel Alaqband, Assistant Director, MSME DFO gave a detailed presentation on the MSME Schemes and stressed upon the fact that the business scenario has completely changed and MSMEs need to gear up and match up with the changing trends.Dr. Kuwarni Ritu Singh, Founder and Chairperson, FICCI Flo, J&K/Ladakh appreciated the efforts of MSME DFO Jammu for organizing this event where Buyers and Sellers meet on a single platform. She stressed on the percentage in PPP for women entrepreneurs.Imamul H. Ansari, General Manager, IOCL New Delhi spoke about the procurement procedures from MSMEs and annual requirements of IOC.Abhay Kumar, Chief General Manager, Power Grid Corporation Ltd. also deliberated about the public procurement policy and procedures. He informed MSMEs to come forward with innovative products so that repeaters may be given competition.Lalit Mahajan, President Bari Brahmana Industrial Association appealed to the MSMEs of the area to participate in programmes like VDPs and take maximum benefit of the scheme of the Ministry of MSME.DK Tyagi, Assistant Director, MSME DFO Jammu delivered vote of thanks to the Chief Guest, dignitaries and participants.Rajesh Kumar, Assistant Director, MSME DFO coordinated the VDP.