Page 15 - EDII Report 136

Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India Reports 136 Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India Reports 136

Powering the Nation Through Strong

and Resilient MSMEs

Enhancing MSME Participation in Public Procurement through Vendor Development
Programme in Puducherry

Public procurement offers significant opportunities for MSMEs to expand market access,
scale operations and join formal supply chains. However, limited knowledge of registration
procedures and procurement processes often act as deterrents for MSMEs. To address
these challenges and spread awareness about public procurement, a Vendor Shri A. Vikranth Raja, IAS, Secretary to Government-cum-Director of Industrial Development, Trade &
Development Programme (VDP) was conducted on December 30, 2025. Commerce, Government of Puducherry was present as Special Guest during the programme.
Reinforcing the significance of MSMEs in building strong societies and economy, Shri Raja highlighted
The programme was jointly organized by EDII and Pondicherry Industrial Promotion the need to strengthen this sector and went on to appreciate the role of institutions like EDII.
Development and Investment Corporation (PIPDIC) under the Raising and Accelerating
MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme. It focused on creating awareness among MSMEs The programme witnessed participation from 174 MSMEs across diverse sectors. The
programme featured buyer–seller interaction sessions with public procurement agencies,
about vendor registration procedures, procurement opportunities and direct engagement
which enabled MSMEs to directly interact with buyer representatives and gain clarity on
with major Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and Government institutions.
technical, commercial and procedural aspects of government procurement. The
programme reaffirmed the commitment of EDII and PIPDIC towards strengthening MSME
market access, promoting transparent procurement processes and fostering sustainable
industrial growth in Puducherry.

Capacity Building, Training and Cooking Competition
A two-day Capacity Building Training Programme and Cooking Competition were
organized during January 30-31, 2026, with the aim of strengthening the capacities of
MSMEs and food vendors. The programme was jointly organised by EDII in association
with Pondicherry Industrial Promotion Development and Investment Corporation
(PIPDIC) & Puducherry Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), where 57 MSMEs from
food sector participated. Selected MSMEs will be offered an international exposure visit to
Thailand and Malaysia to gain insights into advanced food technologies, culinary practices
and global market exposure.
(Right) Mr. Samit Kumar, Faculty,
EDII felicitating the Chief Guest
Shri A. Namassivayam, Hon’ble
Minister for Home and Minister
for Industries & Commerce,
Government of Puducherry.

Shri A. Namassivayam, Hon’ble Minister highlighted the various industrial development
initiatives undertaken by the Government of Puducherry to strengthen the MSME Mr. Nikhilesh Desai, Advisor,
ecosystem and encouraged entrepreneurs to participate in public procurement EDII; Chefs; food vlogger;
opportunities. representatives from PIPDIC
and PTDC evaluated the
cooking competition.

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