Arjun Munda commits to uplift of NE artisans
Source: Chronicle News Service / PIB
Imphal, April 18 2023:
Union minister of tribal affairs Arjun Munda on Tuesday launched the Ministry of Tribal Affairs' new central sector scheme 'Marketing and Logistics Development for Promotion of Tribal Products from North-Eastern Region (PTP-NER)' at MSFDS auditorium, Palace Compound in the presence of chief minister N Biren and other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Munda informed that under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs through Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation (TRIFED) aims to empower individuals to become self-employed and self-reliant in the NE region, with respect to the diverse cultural heritage of tribals.
The vision of the PM is to look east, focus on development and promote tribal products to enhance the livelihood of tribal entrepreneurs and create endless business opportunities.
As this area is constitutionally a tribal region, understanding the tribal communities is essential, he observed.
Munda continued that as the PM has time and again stressed on a national programme for 'One District, One Product' for the promotion of unique tribal products, TRIFED will collaborate with the state governments and agencies to ensure the complete promotion of these products through teamwork providing solutions and value addition for these products.
"The NE region has always possessed immense potential in every field and it scheduled tribe communities have ensured through its efforts, the overall development of the nation.
To help our tribal entrepreneurs and beneficiaries evolve a greater market both at the national and international level, we will launch more schemes to help these," he said.
Three new products from VDVKs across Manipur were also launched on the occasion.
They include cinnamon rolls (Dal Cheeni-polished & semi-polished) from Kamjong district, black rice (Chak-hao) from Ukhrul district and dried bamboo shoot.
On the other hand, chief minister N Biren said, "The barriers we had with the centre in terms of developmental schemes have been removed, now that we have realised that the Government of India is focusing on providing the tribals of our region with a better quality of life" .
"Be it in the field of sports, business, or education, with greater income generation and greater opportunities provided by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, our region has been contributing substantially in the national development and rapidly developing in the development of the country, " he added.
TA&H minister Letpao Haokip conveyed, "We truly appreciate the efforts of the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs for its inclusive schemes and initiatives supporting the aspirations of entrepreneurs of this region".
Meghalaya's agriculture and farmers welfare minister Dr Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh said: "I thank the minister for launching this scheme supporting the talents of our region and empowering the livelihoods and individuals of the NE people by promoting their tribal products".
It may be mentioned that a Budget of around Rs 143 crore has been allocated towards this scheme for implementation.
Through improved efficiency in the procurement, logistics, and marketing of tribal items from NE states, the programme has been designed to strengthen the opportunities for tribal craftsmen to support their livelihoods.
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim are among the states that will be covered by the programme.
It is pertinent to note that through the provision of backward and forward linkages through incubation support, aggregation, skill and entrepreneurial development, sourcing and procurement, marketing, transportation, and publicity, the PTP-NER scheme will assist tribal craftsmen in taking advantage of chances to increase revenue.
This plan calls for the organisation of 68 Tribal Artisan Melas (TAMs) in the several districts of the NE region starting on Tuesday, in order to begin the empanelment of tribal artisans from that region.
Besides, considering the vast experience and presence in NE region, North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), a corporation under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), India Post under Department of Posts, and NE state government de-partments/agencies are being engaged as partners under the scheme.
Furthermore, tribal artisans/producers will be empanelled under this scheme by organising Tribal Artisan Melas (TAMs) and directly.
The TAMs will be organised in consultation and support of district administration and other relevant organisations/departments working in the field, etc.
Individual tribal artisans, tribal SHGs and government organisations/agencies/VDVKs formed under the PMJVM scheme/FPOs/tribal societies/tribal producer organisations can be empanelled.
National and international marketing linkages through various online and offline mode will be provided under this scheme to tribal products of NER.
The programme also includes regular design & skill development training sessions tailored to the needs of the market for tribal recipients.
India Post will provide logistics support in order to meet the scheme s goals.
While, direct exposure to tribal craftsmen would be provided to all empanelled tribal artisans under the programme through a variety of exhibitions, including Purvotar Aadi Mahotsav, Purvotar Aadi Bazaar, Exclusive North East Craft Mela, etc.
The Union minister also visited 50 Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) stalls set up at the programme venue.
Forest, environment & climate change minister Th Biswajit, chief secretary Rajesh Kumar, TRIFEDchair-man Ramsinh Rathwa and managing director Geetanjali Gupta were also present at the programme.
Earlier upon his arrival, Arjun Munda called on Governor Anusuiya Uikey at Raj Bhawan on Tuesday.
Detailed discussions were held on tribal development and livelihood issues in the state.
TRIFED chairman Ramsinh Rathwa was also present on the occasion.
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