IICA Launches Corporate Mitra Scheme to Support MSMEs in Arunachal Pradesh

Itanagar, India Jul 27, 2026 ALN: The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), located in Shillong and operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), has taken a significant step towards bolstering the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector in Arunachal Pradesh. This initiative comes in the form of the Corporate Mitra Scheme, launched through an awareness webinar aimed at students, youth, professionals, and MSMEs in the region. This effort is part of a broader outreach campaign targeting the North Eastern Region of India, which has been identified as a key area for economic development and capacity building.

The Corporate Mitra Scheme was unveiled during a collaborative event organized in partnership with Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) in Arunachal Pradesh. The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) played a pivotal role as the lead co-host, with the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) contributing as supporting co-hosts. This collaboration underscores the importance of a multi-institutional approach in addressing the challenges faced by MSMEs.

The primary objective of the Corporate Mitra Scheme is to fortify the MSME ecosystem by establishing a network of trained para-professionals. These individuals will provide affordable support in areas such as regulatory compliance, taxation, accounting, governance, and financial management. This initiative is particularly focused on enterprises located in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, which often lack access to essential professional services. The scheme aligns with the Indian government’s vision of Viksit Bharat, which aims to create a developed and prosperous India.

According to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the Corporate Mitra Scheme is designed to alleviate the compliance burden on MSMEs while simultaneously equipping young graduates with skills that are highly relevant to the industry. This dual focus is expected to create new employment opportunities and enhance the overall ease of doing business in the region. The initiative is particularly timely, given the increasing complexity of regulatory requirements and the need for businesses to adapt to a rapidly changing economic landscape.

In the initial phase of its implementation, the scheme aims to engage 2,000 participants nationwide, with a specific target of 200 candidates from the North Eastern Region. To encourage participation from the region, the scheme offers a 50 percent concession on the course fee for candidates hailing from Arunachal Pradesh. This financial incentive is designed to make the program more accessible, particularly for young professionals and students who may be deterred by the costs associated with professional training.

The IICA Shillong has been designated as the nodal agency responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Corporate Mitra Scheme in the North East. The institute will play a crucial role in coordinating with various stakeholders, including state governments, universities, industry associations, and other relevant organizations, to promote awareness about the scheme and facilitate enrollment. This collaborative approach is essential for ensuring that the benefits of the scheme reach the intended audience effectively.

Registration for the Corporate Mitra course commenced on July 15 and will remain open until July 31. This window for registration is critical, as it allows interested candidates to secure their place in a program that promises to enhance their professional qualifications and employability.

During the webinar, Debarun Kalita, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at IICA Shillong, delivered the welcome address. He emphasized that the Corporate Mitra concept was developed under the guidance of IICA Director General Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh to specifically address the compliance and advisory challenges faced by MSMEs, particularly in the North East. Kalita pointed out that many enterprises struggle with navigating regulatory requirements, often due to limited access to affordable professional services. This lack of support can hinder business expansion and growth, making the establishment of trained compliance support increasingly important.

Chittaranjan Chattopadhyay, President of ICMAI, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the critical importance of building a skilled professional workforce capable of supporting MSMEs. He articulated that such a workforce is not only vital for the success of individual enterprises but also for contributing to the broader economic goals of the country. The emphasis on skill development reflects a growing recognition of the role that education and training play in fostering a robust economy.

Manoj Kumar Anand, Vice President of ICMAI, echoed these sentiments, stating that the Corporate Mitra Scheme would create a supportive ecosystem for both young professionals and small businesses. By making professional services more accessible, the initiative aims to empower MSMEs, thereby enhancing their competitiveness and sustainability in an increasingly challenging market environment.

Prof. Rama Chandra Parida, Head of the Department of Commerce at Rajiv Gandhi University, encouraged students to seize the opportunities presented by the Corporate Mitra Scheme. His call to action highlights the potential for young individuals to gain valuable skills and experience that can significantly enhance their career prospects.

The technical session of the webinar was led by CMA (Dr.) S.K. Gupta, Managing Director of the ICMAI Registered Valuers Organization. Dr. Gupta provided an in-depth explanation of the scheme’s objectives, implementation framework, and the competencies expected of Corporate Mitras. This session concluded with an interactive discussion, allowing participants to engage directly and have their queries addressed. This interactive format is beneficial for enhancing understanding and fostering a sense of community among participants.

More than 150 students, faculty members, and aspiring professionals from various institutions across Arunachal Pradesh participated in the webinar. This level of engagement indicates a strong interest in the initiative and a recognition of the potential benefits it offers to both individuals and the broader MSME sector.

As the program wrapped up, a vote of thanks was extended to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, IICA leadership, partner institutions, and the organizing teams for their contributions to the successful conduct of the awareness program. This acknowledgment reflects the collaborative effort required to launch such initiatives and the importance of continued partnerships in supporting MSMEs in the region.

In conclusion, the launch of the Corporate Mitra Scheme represents a significant advancement in supporting the MSME sector in Arunachal Pradesh. By providing essential training and resources, the initiative aims to empower young professionals and enhance the viability of small businesses, ultimately contributing to the economic development of the region. The implications of this scheme could be profound, as it may lead to increased entrepreneurship, job creation, and a more resilient economy in the North Eastern states of India.