Sikkim Utsav Mangan chapter to boost local entrepreneurs in North Sikkim

NAWDEEP SHARMA

GANGTOK,: The three-day Sikkim Utsav – Mangan Chapter, scheduled from April 17 to 19, is set to provide a major platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products while promoting tourism and strengthening market linkages in North Sikkim.

Organised under the Raising and Acceleration of MSME Performance (RAMP) Programme of the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, the event will feature exhibition-cum-sales stalls, cultural programmes, and special performances aimed at attracting both locals and tourists.

The event is being organised by the Commerce and Industries department in collaboration with the Sikkim Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (SEED) Cell.

A press conference in this regard was held Thursday at the Commerce and Industries department and was attended by Commerce and Industries secretary Karma D. Youtso, MSME director M. Ravikumar, OSD Dipen Subba, joint secretary (MSME) Champa Sharma, and SEED Cell president Raj Lama.

Addressing the media, secretary Karma D. Youtso informed that the Utsav will feature exhibition-cum-sales stalls of food processing products, local handicrafts, and traditional attire, with participation from entrepreneurs across the State. Cultural programmes and an open mic session will also be organised during the three-day event.

Highlighting the success of previous editions held in Siliguri, Delhi, and Bangalore, she stated that nearly 90 percent of the products displayed during those events were sold, providing strong exposure and marketing opportunities to local entrepreneurs. She added that the initiative has helped strengthen market linkages, generate bulk orders, and support the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the State.

OSD Dipen Subba informed that the programme is mainly focused on supporting grassroots entrepreneurs and creating direct market opportunities for them. He shared that Social Welfare minister Samdup Lepcha will attend the inaugural programme on the first day, MLA Kabi Lungchok T.T. Bhutia will attend the second day, and Forest minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha will attend the closing programme on the final day.

SEED Cell president Raj Lama also appealed to tourist vehicle drivers travelling towards North Sikkim to bring visitors to the venue so that tourists can experience and support local entrepreneurs and their products.

With encouraging results from previous editions across the country, the Sikkim Utsav – Mangan Chapter is expected to further strengthen local entrepreneurship, promote traditional products, and boost tourism activities in North Sikkim.