As per an IIM Jammu spokesperson, the clinic would act as a specific institutional structure to recognise early signs of stress in MSMEs and provide focused solutions through financial and non-financial interventions.

He explained that there would be a Project Management Unit located at IIM Jammu and would comprise branding, marketing, finance, technology and strategy experts, young professionals and data analysts.

The underlying objective of setting up the clinic under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance program is to offer an early detection and prevention active framework for stress, said the spokesman.

The project aims to offer financial as well as non-financial assistance to MSMEs evidencing signs of stress and on the brink of sickness, the spokeswoman added.

He stated that it is intended as a preventive approach to satisfy the developmental needs of MSMEs, with an emphasis on diagnostic and clinical intervention for enterprises exhibiting early signs of stress.

 The two-year programme, which will run from FY 2024-25 to FY 2026-27 will cost ₹30.64 crore.

It will cover approximately 959 identified MSMEs in Jammu and Kashmir and would be carried out in three separate phases. The first phase will cover diagnostic research and the identification of vulnerable firms the second phase will undertake financial and non-financial interventions and the third phase will establish long-term monitoring and sustainability structures, as per the spokesman.

He added that the program interventions will comprise financial interventions such as working capital loans, technology upgradation subsidies, warehouse receipt financing and export promotion grants and non financial interventions such as capacity building, skill training, quality certification and strategic mentoring.

This initiative with IIM Jammu as the knowledge partner and seat of the project management unit leverages the capabilities of the Institute in research, innovation and executive education.

This partnership not only underscores IIM Jammu's status as a top national institution dedicated to inclusive growth but also reflects its increasing role as a driver of industry academia government collaborations in the region, added Mr Singh.