Page 24 - EDII Report-137

Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India Reports 137 Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India
Entrepreneurial Feats Thrive in the
French Riviera of the East
...Puducherry Expands Entrepreneurially
Rising industrial activity, tourism and entrepreneurial aspirations are fast becoming the
identity of Puducherry. “In order to strengthen skills for a higher incidence of
entrepreneurship and build stronger market ties for existing entrepreneurs, EDII has
initiated focussed interventions in the Union Territory with the ultimate aim of setting up a
dedicated centre in the UT for continuous progression of entrepreneurship,” explained
Mr. Samit Kumar, Faculty, EDII.
Vendor Development Programme
Some of the significant activities in the last two months impacted the MSME sector
positively, thus visibly accelerating their performance. A Vendor Development Programme
(VDP) was organised on 27 February 2026 with the objective of strengthening the
participation of MSMEs in public sector and corporate procurement systems. The
programme was conducted in collaboration with the Pondicherry Industrial Promotion
Development and Investment Corporation (PIPDIC), Government of Puducherry, under the
Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Programme of the Ministry of
MSME, Government of India. The programme brought together representatives from
public sector undertakings and corporate organisations to interact directly with MSMEs.
Around 205 MSME participants from Puducherry and Karaikal attended the programme
and gained exposure to vendor registration processes, tender participation requirements
and opportunities available through digital procurement platforms such as Government e-
Marketplace (GeM). Key buyer organisations that participated in the programme included
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Chennai
Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited
(BHAVINI) and Jyothy Labs Limited.
Mr. K. C. Gireesh, Executive Engineer (Supply chain Management), ONGC Ltd Cauvery Asset, Karaikal
addressing the participants on vendor registration procedures; procurement categories; participation
in e-tendering processes and compliance and quality standards required for suppliers.
18
Reports 137
Plastic Sector Units Improve Business Prospects
EDII organised a Capacity Building Programme (CDP) for the Plastic Sector on 12 March,
2026 with the objective of strengthening the technical capabilities, productivity and
competitiveness of MSMEs engaged in the plastic sector. The programme was conducted,
under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Programme of the
Ministry of MSME, Government of India. Around 42 MSME representatives from plastic
manufacturing, injection moulding, packaging and allied sectors, participated. Technical
sessions were conducted by industry experts who provided insights into tooling and mould
maintenance, energy efficiency, circular economy practices and productivity improvement
strategies. The programme contributed in improving the operational efficiency and
competitiveness of participating enterprises.
Women Entrepreneurship Gets a Boost: Celebrating International Women’s Day
EDII celebrated International Women's Day by organising an awareness programme on
Branding, Packaging, Labelling and Promotion, on 8 March 2026.
Women’s Day event was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including: (R - L) Thiru. G. Jayaraman,
General Manager, District Industry Centre & PIPDIC, Government of Puducherry; Tmt. N. Shajima,
Deputy Director, Department of Fisheries, Government of Puducherry; Tmt. Komalavalli, Founder, Sri
Krishna Bags, Puducherry; Ms. Bijaya, Proprietor & Co-Founder, Chez Artizan and Mr. Samit Kumar,
Faculty, EDII.
The programme witnessed participation of 72 women entrepreneurs and aspiring business
owners engaged in various sectors such as food processing, handicrafts, jewellery making
and service-oriented enterprises. Expert sessions focused on 'developing brand identity',
'improving product presentation', 'understanding market trends' and 'adopting digital
marketing tools'. The programme also facilitated interaction with successful
entrepreneurs, enabling participants to comprehend the finer nuances of running and
escalating a business. New Enterprise Creation, strengthening existing enterprises,
improving technical capacities and understanding market practices & trends is now
widespread in the 'French Riviera of the East.’
19