The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), Shillong, under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), has launched an awareness campaign for the Corporate Mitra Scheme in Arunachal Pradesh, aiming to strengthen the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem and create a pool of trained professionals to support businesses with compliance and financial services.
The awareness webinar was organised in partnership with Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Arunachal Pradesh, as part of IICA Shillong’s outreach initiative across the North Eastern Region. The programme brought together students, young professionals, faculty members and MSME stakeholders to highlight the opportunities available under the scheme.
The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) acted as the lead co-host for the event, while the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) supported the initiative as co-hosting partners.
Corporate Mitra Scheme to Ease MSME Compliance Challenges
The Corporate Mitra Scheme has been introduced to develop a nationwide network of trained para-professionals who can provide affordable assistance to MSMEs in areas such as regulatory compliance, taxation, accounting practices, corporate governance and financial management.
The initiative focuses particularly on enterprises operating in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, where access to professional advisory services remains limited. By bridging this gap, the scheme seeks to reduce compliance-related challenges faced by small businesses and help them focus on growth and expansion.
The programme is also aligned with the government’s broader vision of building a developed India under the Viksit Bharat @2047 mission. It aims to empower young graduates with practical, industry-relevant skills while generating new employment opportunities in the professional services sector.
Special Focus on North Eastern Region
Under the first phase of implementation, the Corporate Mitra Scheme plans to train 2,000 participants across the country, including 200 candidates from the North Eastern Region. To encourage participation from the region, candidates from the North East will receive a 50 per cent concession on the course fee.
IICA Shillong has been appointed as the nodal agency for implementing the scheme in the North Eastern states. The institute will work closely with state governments, educational institutions, industry bodies and other stakeholders to create awareness and support enrolment.
The registration process for the Corporate Mitra course commenced on July 15 and will continue until July 31.
Need for Affordable Professional Support for MSMEs
Addressing the webinar, Debarun Kalita, Officer on Special Duty (OSD), IICA Shillong, highlighted the importance of the Corporate Mitra initiative in addressing the compliance and advisory difficulties faced by MSMEs.
He said many small enterprises encounter challenges related to regulatory procedures, limited availability of professional services and difficulties in scaling their operations. The Corporate Mitra network is expected to provide these businesses with accessible guidance and support.
ICMAI President Chittaranjan Chattopadhyay, in his keynote address, emphasised the importance of developing a skilled workforce capable of supporting MSMEs and contributing to India’s economic development.
ICMAI Vice President Manoj Kumar Anand said the scheme would create a mutually beneficial ecosystem by improving access to professional services for small businesses while opening career opportunities for aspiring professionals.
Students Encouraged to Utilize Career Opportunities
Prof. Rama Chandra Parida, Head of the Department of Commerce at Rajiv Gandhi University, encouraged students to participate in the programme and make use of the opportunities provided through the scheme.
The technical session was conducted by CMA (Dr.) S.K. Gupta, Managing Director of the ICMAI Registered Valuers Organization. He explained the objectives of the Corporate Mitra Scheme, its implementation structure and the skills required for professionals who wish to become Corporate Mitras.
The session also included an interactive discussion where participants raised queries related to the course structure, career prospects and implementation process.
More than 150 students, faculty members and aspiring professionals from various institutions across Arunachal Pradesh attended the webinar. The programme concluded with appreciation for the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, IICA leadership, partner organisations and the organising teams for their role in successfully conducting the awareness initiative.
Through the Corporate Mitra Scheme, the government aims to create a stronger support system for MSMEs while equipping young professionals with skills that contribute to entrepreneurship, employment generation and economic growth.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
