DCIC Jowai hosts District-Level Workshop on Industrial Development through UNNATI

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 5, 2025

The District Commerce and Industrial Centre (DCIC), West Jaintia Hills, organised a district-level workshop on the Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialisation (UNNATI) Scheme 2024 on Thursday at its conference hall in Jowai. The programme aimed to familiarise entrepreneurs, self-help groups, financial institutions, and hospitality service providers with the opportunities available under the scheme for industrial development.

The workshop brought together government agencies, institutions, community leaders, and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore pathways for inclusive growth.

In his welcome remarks, DCIC General Manager B. Warjri said the workshop was an opportunity for collaboration and progress. Highlighting the district’s cultural and natural wealth, he stressed its potential for youth, women, and entrepreneurs to build meaningful livelihoods with the right support.

Badonlang Warjri, Project Implementation Unit (PIU) representative from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), explained that the UNNATI scheme is designed to boost industrial growth in the Northeast, create jobs for local youth, and promote sustainable development. Citing the PepsiCo bottling plant in North Garo Hills, he underlined the value of industries in bringing infrastructure, training, and employment.

He noted that of the scheme’s Rs 10,037 crore outlay, funds are earmarked both for awareness activities and as incentives for industries, with disbursements released in two instalments.

Sharing his experience, industrialist Kmen Lato urged participants to pursue ventures with sincerity, honesty, and hard work. He encouraged eco-friendly initiatives such as tea cultivation through cooperative models and emphasised opportunities in trade via the Act East Policy and the Dawki land port. On tourism, he highlighted the Durga temple at Nartiang as a potential focal point for pilgrimage tourism, calling for integrated development of heritage and eco-tourism sites to generate jobs and sustainable livelihoods.

The technical session featured presentations by officials from DPIIT, the Taxation Department, NEDFi, SIDBI, and MSPCB, covering topics from GST compliance to MSME financial assistance and regulatory issues.

The programme was facilitated by Vino Syngkon, with a vote of thanks delivered by S. Pale, Industrial Promotion Officer, DCIC Jowai.