Kohima: Zunheboto artisans pushed back against local bank officials during a PM Vishwakarma Awareness Workshop held Thursday at the town's Multi-Purpose Hall. Beneficiaries accused the State Bank of India Zunheboto branch of demanding guarantors for collateral-free loans. This policy violates federal scheme rules. The government-backed program promises credit support without those requirements.
Organized by the MSME Development and Facilitation Office in Dimapur and the District Industries Centre in Zunheboto, the event aimed to sharpen local business skills. Experts led sessions on packaging, AI-driven marketing, and export strategies. Kumzutoli K. Hesso of the Women Entrepreneurs Network Nagaland told attendees, "consumers often judge products by visual appeal." Suneptula S. Jamir demonstrated how to use ChatGPT for branding. Kezhaletuo Khruomo pushed entrepreneurs to target markets beyond Nagaland, specifically through the Hornbill Festival.
Financial analyst Hovire Kennao provided advice on business scaling and planning during a literacy session. Despite the professional training, frustrations over banking dominated the floor. Artisans cited long delays in loan sanctions and missing disbursements. Some reported they were ignored even after finishing mandatory training courses. Lead District Manager J M Soren addressed the complaints. He ordered the victims to file formal written reports. Soren promised to bring the issue to the District Level Consultative Committee meeting on August 20.
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