Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. UDHAMPUR: In a significant initiative to strengthen traditional artisans through modern technology and entrepreneurship, the MSME-Development & Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Jammu, under the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of India, organised a comprehensive Awareness Programme on Branding and Marketing for PM Vishwakarma Scheme beneficiaries at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner's Office, Udhampur. The programme was conducted in collaboration with the District Administration, Udhampur.
The programme was inaugurated by Sh. Jugal Kishore, JKAS, Additional District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, who attended as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he underlined the importance of preserving India's rich traditional crafts while equipping artisans with modern branding techniques, digital technologies and market linkages to enhance their income and ensure sustainable livelihoods. He urged beneficiaries to make optimum use of various Government of India initiatives promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Sh. Ankit Sharma, Investigator (EI), MSME-DFO Jammu, who highlighted the objectives of the awareness programme and elaborated on the Ministry of MSME's initiatives aimed at strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and enhancing the competitiveness of traditional artisans. Sh. Kishore Singh, JKAS, General Manager, District Industries Centre, Udhampur, appreciated the collaborative efforts of MSME-DFO Jammu and the District Administration in creating awareness among PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries and promoting entrepreneurship across the district.
A major highlight of the programme was the technical session on the PM Vishwakarma Scheme and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools for Artisans, delivered by Sh. Ajay Pal Singh of the PMU Team, Jammu. He explained the key features of the flagship scheme and demonstrated how Artificial Intelligence can revolutionise branding, product promotion, content creation and digital market outreach, enabling traditional artisans to compete effectively in the modern marketplace.
The participants also attended an informative session on Loan and Banking Schemes and Financial Digital Literacy, conducted by Sh. Subash Kumar, Lead District Manager (LDM), Udhampur. He sensitised artisans about institutional finance, formal credit facilities, digital banking services and financial literacy, while stressing the importance of timely access to formal credit for enterprise development.
Adding further value to the programme, Dr. Syeda Shazia Bukhari, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Management, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, delivered an insightful session on Branding and Digital Marketing, highlighting the significance of brand identity, customer engagement, social media marketing, e-commerce platforms and digital strategies to expand market reach and enhance product value.
In another technical session, Sh. Yashpal Sharma of JKEDI, Udhampur, emphasised the importance of quality product packaging, attractive presentation, proper labelling and innovative product design to improve market acceptance and competitiveness. The Principal, Government Polytechnic College, Udhampur, briefed participants about various skill development and entrepreneurship initiatives under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, focusing on vocational training, skill upgradation and employment opportunities.
Promoting digital empowerment, Sh. Abhilash from India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) conducted a practical demonstration on QR Code generation and digital account services, encouraging artisans to adopt secure and seamless digital payment systems for their businesses. Meanwhile, Sh. Amit Kumar, Faculty at RSETI, explained the role of Rural Self Employment Training Institutes in providing entrepreneurship training and support for sustainable livelihoods.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 110 PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries, artisans and other stakeholders, who actively interacted with experts on branding, digital marketing, financial inclusion, government schemes and enterprise development. As part of the practical demonstration, three QR codes were generated on the spot through IPPB Digital Payment Application, encouraging artisans to embrace digital commerce.
The awareness programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session followed by a formal vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Chief Guest, dignitaries, resource persons, participating departments, financial institutions and beneficiaries for contributing to the successful conduct of the event. The initiative marked another important step towards empowering PM Vishwakarma artisans with modern business skills, digital capabilities and enhanced market opportunities, thereby strengthening the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat through sustainable entrepreneurship.