Arjun Munda launches scheme for tribal folks
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, April 18 2023: Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda launched Marketing and Logistics Development for Promotion of Tribal Products from North-Eastern Region (PTP-NER) scheme in the presence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh during a solemn function held at the auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society today.

The scheme aims to strengthen livelihood opportunities for tribal artisans through increased efficiency in procurement, logistics and marketing of tribal products from North East States.

The launching programme was also attended by Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Th Biswajit Singh, Tribal Affairs and Hills Minister Letpao Haokip, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Meghalaya Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh, Chairman, TRIFED Ramsinh Rathwa, Chief Secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar, officials of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs Ministry and Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation (TRIFED) and senior officials of Manipur.

Arjun Munda launches scheme for tribal folks

Addressing the gathering, Arjun Munda expressed gratitude to N Biren Singh for hosting the launch of such an important scheme for tribal peoples.

He continued that the Union Government under the supervision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been taking up initiatives for empowerment, creation of employment opportunities and upgrading the livelihood of tribal peoples residing across the country.

With such an objective, the PTP-NER scheme has been launched for promotion of tribal products from the North East region, he added.

Arjun Munda informed that the PTP-NER scheme is fully funded under Central Sector Scheme of the Government of India and a budget of around Rs 143 crore has been allocated towards this scheme for implementation.

The Union Minister continued that the Prime Minister, considering the importance of the North East region, had earlier launched the "One District One Product" scheme.

The scheme launched today will facilitate linkage of tribal products with new markets, provide logistic and marketing strategy support to promote it at the National and global level, he added.

He also appreciated the officials of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED for successfully implementing the initiatives taken up for the welfare of tribal people.

N Biren Singh, while delivering his speech, conveyed his gratitude to the Prime Minister and Arjun Munda for introducing the scheme.

The scenario of the North East States has totally changed, particularly in development and law and order, he added.

The Chief Minister recalled that TRIFED was launched in the State in 2019 .

At that time, there were only around 30 Self Help Groups (SHGs) comprising around 450 members only.

However, the number is now about to reach 50,000, he added.

On the quality and taste of products being produced in the State, the Chief Minister informed that outlets for selling products of Manipur had been opened in some big cities across the country.

He continued that marketing and logistic development for promotion of tribal products is the need of the hour.

Stating that SHGs working in the interior parts of hill districts did not have work sheds and proper room to dry fruits earlier, N Biren maintained that the Manipur Government has constructed work sheds at different places with a budget allocation of Rs 26.6 crore under RIDF to promote tribal products.

He also reiterated the vision of the Prime Minister to provide quality life to the people and added that the State Government had also launched "One Family, One Livelihood" scheme, under which anyone from a family with no source of livelihood can apply for a loan of Rs 10 lakh with 30 percent grant.

He added that the Government would consider including SHGs of TRIFED, so that they could also avail the benefits of the scheme to help increase their income generation.

Before the start of the launching programme, Arjun Munda along with N Biren Singh and others visited the stalls set up by Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVK) and interacted with tribal artisans.

During the programme, 3 Van Dhan products from different VDVKs including cinnamon from Kamjong, black rice from Ukhrul and dry bamboo shoot from Noney were launched.