Mangan, December 2: The Rural Development Department (RDD) organised the district-level Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Development Conclave under the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative today at the DAC Hall in Mangan, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and youth from across the district.
The event was held in the presence of Minister for Forest & Environment, Science & Technology, and Mines & Geology, Mr. Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, who served as the chief guest. Chairman of the Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Mr. Sonam Norgay Lachungpa, attended as the guest of honour.
Focus on Empowering Women and Youth
In his welcome address, ADC (Development) Dr. Sonam Rinchen Lepcha highlighted the importance of the programme in strengthening local entrepreneurship. District Collector–cum–Chairman of District IEIA (Sikkim INSPIRES), Mr. Anant Jain, emphasized that the initiative aims to empower youth and women through livelihood development and access to free business spaces—an opportunity rarely available elsewhere.
Entrepreneurial Showcase and Encouragement
Minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha visited stalls set up by SHGs and local entrepreneurs, appreciating products ranging from handmade soaps, knitted toys, and handcrafted bags to traditional delicacies such as honeycomb, zeero and khabjey. He encouraged participants to expand their skills and assured them of continued support in scaling their ventures.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting SHGs and entrepreneurs through infrastructure development, improved connectivity, and market accessibility. He noted that Sikkim INSPIRES has opened new avenues for rural entrepreneurship and strengthened livelihoods across the state.
Insights on Branding, Skill Development, and Market Strategy
Guest of honour Mr. Sonam Norgay Lachungpa stressed the importance of branding and packaging in business success, urging entrepreneurs to remain patient and persistent.
The conclave included several expert presentations:
• Mr. K.C. Rai, Deputy Director, Skill Development Department, outlined upcoming training programmes focused on skilling, reskilling, and upskilling, with a target of training 3,000 individuals across five years.
• Mr. Subashish Sarkar, Assistant Manager, NABARD, emphasised the importance of branding, labelling, and digital marketing. He assured NABARD’s support through training.
• Mr. Tshering Gyatso Lepcha (“Millet Man”) inspired participants by sharing his entrepreneurial journey and encouraging them to identify profitable markets strategically.
• Mr. Karma P. Lachungpa, Vice President of TAAS, praised the creativity of SHGs and encouraged further innovation.
Interactive Sessions and Group Discussions
SHGs and entrepreneurs engaged in an interactive session, raising queries related to packaging, marketing, stall management, and machinery. Officials provided detailed responses, offering practical guidance.
Participants also formed three groups to discuss challenges in packaging, online marketing, branding, and product consistency. Each group presented their findings, contributing to a collaborative problem-solving environment.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Panchayat Inspector Ms. Sonam Yangchen, acknowledging the efforts of organisers, officials, and participants. Mr. Chewang Norbu Denzongpa served as the event moderator, ensuring smooth conduct throughout the day.
The conclave reinforced the Sikkim government’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and equipping women and youth with the tools needed to build sustainable livelihoods.
