Industry body highlights need to cover MSME units under UNNATI 2024

Local industry body Federation of Industry and Commerce of Northeast Region (FINER) has pointed out the urgent need for retrospective coverage of these MSME units under Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialization Scheme (UNNATI) 2024 and further advocated for extending the scheme's registration window to give MSMEs sufficient time to complete necessary processes.

The NER Dialogue—an interactive meet with Members of Parliament from the Northeast Region was held in New Delhi. The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss the region's socio-economic development.

The event was attended by Kiren Rijiju Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Ministry of Minority Affairs, and Chairman of the NEMP Forum, Sarbananda Sonowal Minister Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and Pabitra Margherita Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs & Ministry of Textiles. Their addresses highlighted the North East's immense potential and the Government of India's unwavering commitment, the vision of Prime Minister Modi, of a Viksit Northeast within a Viksit Bharat, considering the Northeast as 'Ashta Lakshmi’ was reiterated in the event by the speakers.


Sandeep Khaitan, director FINER, while appreciating the efficacy of the UNNATI Scheme and its growing traction at the grassroots level, presented on the significant disadvantage faced by approximately 90-100 MSMEs during the policy gap between NEIDS 2017 and UNNATI 2024. These units, anticipating a seamless policy transition, continued investing and project implementation despite assurances of no policy gap, only to find themselves excluded from the benefits of UNNATI 2024 due to the scheme's prospective application from March 9th, 2024.

Khaitan stressed the urgent need for retrospective coverage of these units under UNNATI 2024 and further advocated for extending the scheme's registration window to give MSMEs sufficient time to complete necessary processes. The organization urged for timely interventions to ensure smoother transitions and implementation continuity. Finally, he underscored the importance of allocating a dedicated parliamentary time slot to address Northeast issues effectively.

FINER President Bajrang Lohia emphasised the need for strong collaboration among policymakers, industry, and other stakeholders to unlock the region's full potential.

The Industry Department of the Assam Government presented investment opportunities in the state, showcasing its infrastructure development and industry-friendly incentives. DPIIT provided an overview of UNNATI's impact, and NEDFI and FINER shared insights into NEIDS data and the broader investment climate in the North East, while addressing related socio-economic challenges.

The NER Dialogue showcased the collective commitment to driving economic growth, bridging regional disparities, and harnessing the North East's unique resources and strategic location. The event underscored the determination of all participants to work together for the region's sustained progress.