Partnership with Pvt parties stressed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 05 2016: Any industrial unit set up by the Government is unlikely to take off properly in the State unless private parties are roped in for its management, asserted Chief Minister O Ibobi.

He was speaking at the inaugural function of a Food Processing Park at Nilakuthi.

Among others, Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Works Minister Ksh Biren and Commerce and Industries Principal Secretary L Lakher were present at the inaugural function.

Stating that the issue of unemployment is one major issue of the State, Ibobi asserted that the State's economy can grow remarkably only when skilled, unemployed youth can be engaged in different productive economic activities.

When there is economic growth in the State, peace would come on its own and when there is peace, there would be all round development.

The Food Processing Park was set up at Nilakuthi with a view to enable entrepreneurs take up different projects of their choice at a common place.

Ibobi stated that the Food Processing Park was set up at the cost of Rs 43 crore.

Apart from scarcity of raw materials, the State is still deficient in infrastructure.

Employment of all the citizens cannot be guaranteed without setting up industries but again no industries can flourish in Manipur without participation of private parties.

He further admitted that no public sector undertakings were ever successful in the State.

The Chief Minister cited the cases of Loitang Khunou Spinning Mill, MSRTC etc.

After inaugurating the park, the Chief Minister inspected different units of the park.

Govindas Konthoujam claimed that the Food Processing Park would be able to address the issue of unemployment to some extent.

Although there is no mega industry in Manipur, the State can be listed among the States which have fair potential for agro-based industries.

The State certainly made some positive strides in the industrial sector during the past 15 years.

Yet, the industrial sector could not make the desired progress on account of the law and order situation and frequent bandhs and blockades.

Manipur is unable to compete with other States in the field of handloom products, said the Chief Minister and added nonetheless, handloom products of the State are now sold in showrooms.

The State recorded growth rates of 40 per cent in handloom sector, 25.8 per cent in food processing industries and 20 per cent in MSME.

The overall growth rate was 30 per cent, Govindas claimed.

Comment