In a strategic move to address critical skill gaps, the Madhya Pradesh Laghu Udyog Nigam has forged a partnership with the National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (NI-MSME). This collaboration, under the Ministry of MSME, aims to fortify the capabilities of the state's MSME workforce through focused training initiatives.
Pilot Workshop Kicks Off in Indore
As a pilot project, a two-day skill development workshop was recently conducted at Udyog Bhawan in Indore. The program was organized jointly by NI-MSME, Madhya Pradesh Laghu Udyog Nigam, and the Association of Industries Madhya Pradesh (AIMP), with support from the District Industries Centre.
Tarun Vyas, Secretary of AIMP, highlighted the core challenge, stating that MSMEs frequently struggle with a skilled workforce and a quality talent pool. He explained that many small units lack the resources to afford high-tech mechanisms or extensive training programs for their employees. This initiative is precisely targeted at making the MSME workforce more capable and industry-ready, with strengthened shop-floor skills expected to directly fuel the region's industrial expansion.
Tackling Core Challenges on the Shop Floor
The workshop was held under the central government's Rising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme. Its objective was to equip workers with practical skills to enhance productivity and meet evolving industrial standards. Industry experts identified common hurdles faced by local MSMEs, including poor shop-floor discipline, limited knowledge of modern work practices, weak communication and teamwork, and inadequate training in quality management and safety protocols.
Trainers addressed these gaps through interactive, participatory sessions focused on key areas like time management, efficiency enhancement, and streamlined industrial processes. Each day, more than 60 employees from various micro and small enterprises attended, receiving hands-on guidance on contemporary work methodologies and industry benchmarks. Upon completion, all participants were awarded certificates.
A Step Towards a More Competitive MSME Base
Officials from NI-MSME confirmed that similar workshops will be conducted regularly across the state. This sustained effort is designed to help enterprises systematically upgrade their workforce's capabilities. The long-term vision is to build a stronger and more competitive MSME foundation in Madhya Pradesh, enabling these businesses to overcome persistent skill shortages, rising quality demands, and the pressing need to modernize their production processes.
