Mizoram to host LESDE Kut festival to boost jobs, local MSME sector
Aizawl: Mizoram’s Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (LESDE) department is set to host "LESDE Kut," a five-day mega-festival designed to bridge the gap between local producers, job seekers, and the national market.
The event will run from February 10 to 14, LESDE Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar announced during a press conference here on Tuesday.
Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of MSME and the National SC/ST Hub, the festival aims to provide a premier platform for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and local entrepreneurs, Hmar said.
Hmar noted that the festival’s primary objectives are to promote indigenous products, enhance market visibility, explore job opportunities, and empower local industries to meet global aspirations.
Beyond local promotion, the event seeks to sensitize MSMEs regarding the requirements of various departments, purchasing systems, and vendor registration. This will be achieved by facilitating direct interaction with both Central and State government agencies, he said.
The Minister also highlighted several key pillars of the event, including Market Linkage, which aims to create synergy between manufacturers, vendors, buyers, and government bodies; Innovation, which encourages the adoption of modern technology in local production; and Global Reach, which provides a one-stop solution and roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs to secure employment.
A major highlight of the event is a Job Fair, which will host representatives from the public and private sectors.
Hmar emphasized that this will serve as a critical networking hub for students and job seekers to gain industry insights and explore professional career paths.
The fair will also include a dedicated career guidance segment for those seeking roles within government and private agencies, he added.
In addition to counseling, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) from Aizawl, Lunglei, and Siaha will showcase various skill development courses.
The Mizoram Youth Commission (MYC) and the Sub-Regional Employment Exchange (SREO) will also be present to provide information on free training programs and government initiatives.
To streamline administrative procedures for workers and businesses, the fair will feature on-the-spot registration counters, including EMPEX registration for employment cards, PMKVY and PM NAPS for skill development and apprenticeships, and e-Shram and MBOCWWB registration for workers in the unorganized and construction sectors.
A state-level Special Vendor Development Programme will feature major national players such as NHIDCL, Power Grid, IOCL, FCI, NEEPCO, and NFR, offering a rare opportunity for local vendors to scale their operations, Hmar said.
The event, which will be hosted at Aizawl’s Lammual ground, will also include an exhibition hub with sponsored stalls, an art exhibition, a florist section, and a dedicated food court.
During the festivities, the MBOCWWB will officially launch two vital schemes: Eizawnna Kailawn (Entrepreneurship Support) and Rahbi Chhertu (Free Coaching).
To ensure high engagement among the youth, the festival will feature entertainment, including fashion shows, concerts, and modern competitions such as Cosplay, Vlogging, and photography, Hmar said.