Kargil, 18 September 2026: The MSME-Development Nucleus Cell (DNC), Leh, Ministry of MSME, Government of India, organised an Awareness Programme on “Branding & Marketing for PM Vishwakarma Scheme Beneficiaries” at the Conference Hall, DC Office, Kargil, on 18 September 2026. 

The programme was aimed at creating awareness among traditional artisans and PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries regarding Branding and Marketing, Government schemes, Credit facilitation, Digital platforms, Taxation, GeM onboarding, GST, Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies relevant to their businesses. 

The programme commenced with a welcome address and brief about the programme, schemes of Ministry of MSME by Sh. Vinu Jee Koul, IEDS, Assistant Director, MSME-DFO Jammu. The inaugural session was followed by an address by the Chief Guest, Sh. Shabir Hussain, JKAS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil. 

During the technical sessions, Sh. Aman Singh, IEDS, Assistant Director, MSME-DFO Jammu, delivered a presentation on PM Vishwakarma and various schemes of the Ministry of MSME. Sh. Shafiq Ahmad, JKAS, GM, DIC Kargil, briefed the participants on the Ladakh Industrial Policy and PMEGP Scheme. 

A session on Income Tax, Sales Tax and GST was conducted by Sh. Stanzin Sarap, Inspector, Sales Tax Department. Sh. Tsering Morup, LDM Kargil, delivered a session on Banking Schemes and Credit Facilitation. 

The programme also included a dedicated session on Branding & Marketing, for Traditional Artisans, and a session on the use of Artificial Intelligence for traditional artisans, highlighting the relevance of emerging digital technologies for artisans and their businesses, delivered by Sh, Rigzin Wangdus, PM Vishwakarma SPMU Team. A presentation on India Post Payment Bank schemes and QR Code generation was delivered by Sh. Jagadeesh M, India Post Payment Bank, more than 08 Merchant QR were generated on spot. 

Further, Sh. Shamim Ahmad and Sh. Sajad Hussain, Chief Accounts Officers, provided information on the GeM registration and onboarding process. Sh. Rigzin Wangdus, , conducted a session on the use of Artificial Intelligence for traditional artisans, highlighting the relevance of emerging digital technologies for artisans and their businesses. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by the PM Vishwakarma SPMU Team, followed by an Open House Discussion and Question & Answer Session, providing an opportunity for participants to seek clarifications on the subjects covered during the programme. 

The programme brought together officials and resource persons from MSME-DNC Leh, DIC Kargil, Sales Tax Department, banking institutions, India Post Payment Bank, GeM-related officials and the PM Vishwakarma SPMU Team, providing a multi-dimensional platform for awareness and information dissemination among PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries, around 120 PM Vishwakarma Scheme Beneficiaries participated in the Programme. (MSME-DNC Leh, Ministry of MSME)