Siliguri, Jul 19 (KNN) The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) Limited established its inaugural sub-office in Siliguri on Thursday, marking the organisation’s first operational base in north Bengal.
The new facility aims to strengthen support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) while facilitating entrepreneurial development among local artisans and business owners in the region.
The public sector undertaking, which operates under the Union Ministry of MSME, previously maintained only one office in West Bengal, located in Kolkata.
According to Sanjib Kumar Deka, Chief Manager and branch-in-charge of the newly established office, the Siliguri location was strategically chosen due to its central position within north Bengal, enabling improved accessibility to NSIC schemes and support services for regional entrepreneurs.
The expansion addresses a significant operational gap that previously required north Bengal entrepreneurs to travel to Kolkata for financial assistance and institutional support.
Deka noted substantial potential for MSME development across both service and manufacturing sectors throughout the region, with the new office eliminating the need for entrepreneurs to make lengthy trips to the state capital.
NSIC officials outlined various sectors eligible for support, including transport, tourism, handloom, and handicraft industries. The corporation provides financial assistance of up to Rs 10 crore for qualifying ventures.
Entrepreneurs from reserved categories receive complimentary exhibition and merchandising opportunities at various events, while general category participants access these services at subsidised rates.
The organisation also extends specialised assistance to individuals establishing private security agencies.
Industry observers note that the federal initiative aligns with existing state-level focus on MSME sector development.
The West Bengal government has implemented multiple schemes encouraging investment across the state, including north Bengal regions.
The establishment of the NSIC sub-office represents the BJP-led central government’s concurrent efforts to engage with regional investors and MSME stakeholders.
Concurrent with the office inauguration, NSIC conducted an awareness program focused on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
Officials stated that the initiative provides local MSMEs with essential knowledge and opportunities within the open digital commerce ecosystem, potentially expanding their market reach and operational capabilities.
(KNN Bureau)
