Rs 12,000 Cr set aside for border trade
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 12 2012: A total amount of Rs 12,000 crore has been earmarked for boosting the Indo-Myanmar border trade, stated Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam on the floor of the House today during discussion of demands.

He said that the amount of Rs 12,000 crores was earmarked in line with the Government of India's and the State Government's special focus on the Look East Policy.

Informing that the number of trade items has been already increased from 22 to 40, Govindas said that due process is underway to acquire 150 acres of land for setting up a timber park at Kuraopokpi along Imphal-Moreh highway.

The timber park would employ the latest technology and production of plywood is another objective of this new initiative.

Govindas also claimed that Commerce and Industries Department has taken up a number of programmes for promotion of handloom and handicraft products.

Already, some advanced looms have been procured.

Moreover, a powerloom has been already introduced in the State about two months back.

In terms of handloom and handicraft products, Manipur occupied the third spot.

Several policies have been put in place to ensure that Manipur climbs up to at least the number 2 spot, Govindas stated.

PHE Minister I Hemochandra claimed that his department has initiated a number of plans both, short term and long term as well as for immediate requirements of potable water.

He also assured that distribution system of tap water would be streamlined very soon.

As water harvesting would not be possible without conservation of catchment areas, necessary measures would be taken up to conserve 233 catchment areas, Hemochandra stated.

Taking part in the discussion, Chief Minister O Ibobi stated that the power starved State has huge potential for both conventional electricity as well as solar power.

MANIREDA has already installed a number of solar plants and many more are in the pipeline, Ibobi stated.

Forest and Environment Minister Th Debendra said that multiple awareness programmes are being organised to check deforestation.

Under the afforestation programme being executed by the Forest Department, economic plantation would be incorporated so as to generate more revenue.

Stating that there is a need to set up forest protection force, Debendra said that he would examine if forest protection force can be set up by creating more posts to the existing Forest Guards.

Cooperation Minister AK Mirabai noted that cooperative movement has dwindled a lot in Manipur.

Nevertheless, the department has devised measures to revive cooperative societies based in rural areas.

The Government of India would soon come out with a package which would benefit of weavers of Manipur too.

The discussion of demands was also participated by L Ibomcha, P Brojen, Kh Joykishan, Th Shyamkumar, Dr Ng Bijoy, Daikho, Alexander Pao and L Nandakumar.

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