Webinar on Corporate Mitra Scheme Aims to Empower Northeast MSMEs

Itanagar, India Jul 26, 2026 ALN: ITANAGAR, 25 Jul: Shillong (Meghalaya)-based Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, organized a webinar on 24 July to sensitize youths, students, MSMEs, professionals, and enterprises about the Corporate Mitra scheme. This initiative is particularly significant as it aims to bolster the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector, which plays a crucial role in the economic landscape of India, especially in the Northeast region (NER).

The Corporate Mitra scheme is designed to create a supportive ecosystem for MSMEs, which are often the backbone of local economies, providing employment and contributing to the GDP. The webinar was part of a larger awareness campaign targeting the NER, a region that has unique challenges and opportunities. Collaborating with Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Rono Hills, and receiving support from esteemed institutions such as the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the IICA aims to create a robust framework for the development of MSMEs in this area.

The Corporate Mitra scheme aspires to empower MSMEs, particularly in Tier 2 cities, by aligning with the broader vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by the year 2047. This vision is part of the government’s long-term strategy to ensure that India emerges as a developed nation, with a formalized, financially sustainable, and thriving MSME sector. The initiative aims to create a robust support ecosystem by facilitating access to a pool of qualified, accredited, and trusted para-professionals, referred to as ‘corporate mitras’.

These corporate mitras are envisioned to deliver accessible, affordable, and quality compliance and business support services to MSMEs. This is particularly important as many MSMEs struggle with regulatory compliance, financial management, and governance-related issues, which can hinder their growth potential. By providing these services, the corporate mitras will allow MSMEs to concentrate on their core business activities, such as innovation and expansion, while ensuring that they meet all necessary regulatory requirements.

One of the key objectives of the Corporate Mitra scheme is to create a pool of trained para-professionals equipped with industry-relevant knowledge and practical skills. This initiative is expected to enhance employment opportunities, particularly among the youth in the Northeast region, who often face challenges in securing quality jobs. The scheme's implementation is planned with an initial pan-India target of 2,000 participants, including 200 exclusively from the NER, with a 50% fee concession available for candidates from this region.

For the rollout and implementation of the scheme in the NER, the IICA has been designated as the nodal agency responsible for coordination and liaison with state governments and other stakeholders, including universities, industry associations, and various institutes. This collaboration is crucial for promoting awareness of the scheme and ensuring its successful implementation.

Registration for the Corporate Mitra course was launched on 15 July and will remain open until 31 July. This timeline allows interested participants sufficient time to enroll and benefit from the opportunities presented by the scheme.

During the webinar, OSD for IICA Shillong, Debarun Kalita, expressed gratitude to the visionary leadership and guidance of the IICA Director General Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh. Kalita highlighted that the original concept of the Corporate Mitra course was developed under Singh's stewardship, emphasizing the importance of addressing the inherent challenges faced by MSMEs in business growth, scaling up, and expansion.

Kalita articulated that the challenges faced by MSMEs in the Northeast are particularly pronounced due to regulatory and secretarial compliance burdens, a lack of affordable business advisory support professionals, and the pressing need for transformative initiatives aimed at improving the ease of doing business. The Corporate Mitra scheme seeks to mitigate these challenges by providing the necessary support and resources.

Chittaranjan Chattopadhyay, president of ICMAI, underscored the significance of building a skilled professional workforce to support MSMEs, which is essential for contributing to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat. This aligns with the government's broader objectives of enhancing the competitiveness of Indian businesses on a global scale.

Manoj Kumar Anand, vice president of ICMAI, also spoke about the necessity of fostering a facilitative and supportive ecosystem for both youths/students and MSMEs, which the Corporate Mitra scheme directly addresses. This dual focus on youth empowerment and MSME support is critical for the sustainable development of the region.

Prof. Rama Chandra Parida, Head of the Commerce Department at RGU, appreciated the collaborative initiative and encouraged students to explore the opportunities offered under the Corporate Mitra scheme. This endorsement from academic leaders is vital for motivating students to engage with the program and take advantage of the resources available.

The technical session of the webinar featured a comprehensive presentation on the scheme’s objectives, implementation framework, and core competencies by the lead co-host from the ICMAI, Dr. SK Gupta. Following the presentation, an engaging interactive session allowed participants to address their queries, fostering a better understanding of the scheme and its implications.

The webinar witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 150 students, faculty members, and aspiring professionals representing various institutions across the region. This level of engagement reflects the keen interest in the Corporate Mitra scheme and the potential it holds for transforming the MSME landscape in the Northeast.

In conclusion, the Corporate Mitra scheme represents a significant step towards empowering MSMEs in the Northeast region by providing them with the necessary support and resources to thrive. As the initiative progresses, it will be essential to monitor its implementation and impact, ensuring that it effectively addresses the challenges faced by MSMEs and contributes to the broader goal of achieving a developed India by 2047.