Anurag Bajpai notes role of print sector
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 27 2025: Additional chief secretary (Textiles, Commerce & Industries) Anurag Bajpai has stated that print and publishing have been serving as the major platform for education, communication and cultural preservation.

On Sunday, All Manipur Press Association (AMPA) organised a one-day seminar cum road show on 'Future of Printing Industry and India's Act East Policy', at Classic Grande, Chingmeirong.

The seminar was attended by Indian Printing Packaging and Allied Machinery Manufacturers Association (IPAMA) president Jaybhir Singh, BSEM chairman Akham Joykumar, IAFMP vice president Sunil Khurana as guests of honour and AMPA president YK Dhiren as functional president.

Speaking as the chief guest, Anurag Bajpai acknowledged printing industry as an important sector, silently bringing incredible changes to the education, culture and economic landscape of the state.

Recounting his relationship with Manipur, Anurag said that he has been in the state for around 32 years.

He observed that most of the print media in Manipur are SMEs and as such, they face various technical challenges including outdated machines, lack of capital, input cost and need for new machines.

He further said that with the increase in demand for digital news, personalised and short run printings are also increasing.

This trend is beneficial in a rich linguistic state like Manipur.

Being the gateway to Southeast Asia, the print industry of the state has the potential to become a cross border communication and culture industry from a regional service sector.

He then stated that the government would extend support to schemes related to the printing industry, while urging for holding a print fair in Manipur, considering its importance as an international border state.

In his speech, AMPA president YK Dhiren stressed the need for the Manipur printing industry to catch up with the technological changes sweeping across the globe.

From the old printing industry, we are now seeing the emergence of digital, 3D and AI systems, he observed and urged for Manipur to be part of these changes.

The president continued that if there is no economic strength while the Act East Policy is in effect, the society cannot stride into the future.

The printing industry plays an important role in improving the local as there are 100 printing firms in Manipur.

With Manipur needing to join the global technological changes, there is a need for a quality printing industry, which requires the import of quality technologies into the state.

Thus, he urged for support to those in the printing industry.

Comment