Addl CS distributes machines to VDVKs, inaugurates barrack at Mao Range Office
Source: The Sangai Express / DIO-IPR

Senapati, November 29 2025: On taking a visionary initiative towards the Tribal Welfare, Additional Chief Secretary (TCI & Transport) and PCCF & HoFF Anurag Bajpai distributed machines and tools to six Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) under the PMJVM (Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission) and two MiniTrifood VDVKs under PMFME (Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) Scheme during a programme held today at the Autonomous District Council Hall, Senapati.

The six VDVKs receiving equipment included Rajaimei VDVK, N'Tazang VDVK, Harmony VDVK, Cosmos VDVK, Peony VDVK, Magnolia VDVK under PM JVM, along with 2 Mini trifoods - Shovorii-Labapui and Swess-Kans VDVKs under PMFME.

The distributed machinery comprised Heavy Mixer Grinder, Pulveriser, Vacuum Packing Machine, Dehydrator.

Automatic Biomass Charcoal Briquette Machine, Industrial Boiler, Automatic Filling Machine, Vertical Pouch Packing Machine and Labelling Machine etc, all procured through the Government e-market (GeM) .

Addressing the gathering, Anurag Bajpai emphasised the State Government's commitment to improving mobility, market access and income for tribal communities.

He stressed that forest, agriculture and horticulture remain the State's primary source of livelihood and therefore require protection and sustainable support.

He highlighted the importance of enhancing transport connectivity, noting that initiatives are underway to reduce logistic costs through subsidies under RAMP Scheme.

He added that the Government is also working to reduce production costs to help small enterprises become more competitive.

In an effort to improve mobility of vendors, small enterprises, the Government is working on setting up a Logistics parking and Bus depot in the district, he added.

He further informed that an Industrial State is coming up at Katomai, Senapati, with completion targeted for March 31, 2026, which will provide a platform for VDVKs to access higher markets.

Around 200 members from different villages of Maram, Mao & Poumai tribe attended the program.

Through this scheme, the Government of India aims to improve the livelihoods of tribal communities by utilizing Minor Forest Produce (MFP) for socio-economic upliftment.

The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED.

Later in the evening, Anurag Bajpai inaugurated a Barrack at Mao Range Office, Song Song Block, Senapati under Senapati Forest Division.

He also chaired a review meeting with leaders and CSOs of Mao community, along with Forest Officials and staff of Senapati at the newly inaugurated Barrack at Mao.

The meeting was attended by Gaithaolu Thaimei, Chief Conservator of Forests/T-II cum Nodal Officer, TRIFED; Arun RS, Conservator of Forests, Northern Circle; and Shanngam S, Divisional Forest Officer, Senapati, chairman & secretaries of Mao villages, member of Mao Council, Organising committee of Cherry Blossom Festival; and staff of Forest Department, Senapati.

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