In search of alternative employment avenues; Ibobi initiates Make in Manipur campaign
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 02 2015 : In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new economic policy called Make in India which is aimed at drawing maximum investors to the country, Chief Minister O Ibobi has launched a new initiative called Make in Manipur with the primary objective of generating employment.

The new campaign would be rooted in sustainable exploitation of natural resour- ces including medicinal plants and handloom products rather than diverting energy and resources to big industries or factories.

Chief Minister O Ibobi presided an official meeting today where his vision of Make in Manipur campaign was deliberated at length.

During the meeting, officials of Commerce and Indus- tries Department and representatives of some consultants based outside the State gave detail presentations, informed an official source.

Manipur Map

As it would be impossible to provide jobs to all unemployed people, the Chief Minister decided to launch a new campaign in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make in India campaign which can provide steady income of not less than Rs one lakh in a year to unemployed people across the State.

Number of job seekers who have been registered at employment exchanges has crossed seven lakh, said the official adding that the Chief Minister's new initiative is aimed at creating alternative employment avenues.

Commerce and Industries Minister K Govindas, Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga and top ranking officials of Horticulture, Fishery, Veterinary, Industries, Labour, Agriculture, Sericulture and Power were present at the meeting.

The new initiative would be launched with World Bank's investment amounting to Rs 100 crore and it would focus on manufacturing/producing world class handloom products and other products by using locally available raw materials such as medicinal plants, aromatic plants, orchids etc.

Many products of Manipur are being demanded by many firms based outside the State and there would be no difficulty in marketing goods produced in the State, claimed Govindas.

Four people have been selected from each district and they have been sent for a master trainers' course to UP today.

After completion of the training course, they would give training to other people about the initiative in their respective districts, Govindas added.