Imphal (PIB): Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda launched the Ministry of Tribal Affairs’ new Central Sector Scheme “Marketing and Logistics Development for Promotion of Tribal Products from North-Eastern Region (PTP-NER)” for the benefit of Scheduled Tribes of North-eastern Region on Tuesday at the MSFDS auditorium, Palace Compound in the august presence of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and other dignitaries.
On the occasion, Union Minister addressed the gathering, remarking, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, through TRIFED, in the northeast region, with respect to the diverse cultural heritage of tribals, aims to empower individuals to become self-employed and self-reliant.
He stated that the vision of the Prime Minister is to look east, focus on development and promote tribal products to enhance the livelihood of tribal entrepreneurs and create endless business opportunities. As this area is constitutionally a tribal region, understanding the tribal communities is essential, he added.
Moreover, as the PM has time and again stressed on a national programme for ‘One District, One Product’ for the promotion of unique tribal products, TRIFED will collaborate with the State Governments and Agencies to ensure the complete promotion of these products through teamwork providing solutions and value addition for these products, he stated.
The Union Minister maintained that the Northeast Region has always possessed immense potential in every field and its Scheduled Tribes have ensured through its efforts, the overall development of the nation. And to help the tribal entrepreneurs and beneficiaries to evolve in a greater market both at the national and international level, we will launch more schemes to help these, he conveyed.
Three new products from VDVKs across Manipur were also launched on the occasion. They are Cinnamon Rolls (Dal Cheeni-Polished & Semi- Polished) from Kamjong district, Black Rice (Chakhao) from Ukhrul district and Dried Bamboo Shoot.
CM Biren Singh stated, “The barriers we had with the centre in terms of developmental schemes have been removed, now that we have realised that the Government of India is focusing on providing the tribals of our region with a better quality of life. Be it in the field of sports, business, or education, with greater income generation and greater opportunities provided by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, our region has been contributing substantially in the national development and rapidly developing in the development of the country”.
Minister of Tribal Affairs & Hills Letpao Haokip said, “We truly appreciate the efforts of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India for its inclusive schemes and initiatives supporting the aspirations of entrepreneurs of this region.”
Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Meghalaya Dr Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh said, “I thank the Union Minister for launching this scheme supporting the talents of our region and empowering the livelihoods and individuals of the North-eastern people by promoting their tribal products.”
A substantial Budget of around Rs. 143 crore has been allocated towards this scheme for implementation.
Through improved efficiency in the procurement, logistics, and marketing of tribal items from North Eastern States, the programme has been designed to strengthen the opportunities for tribal craftsmen to support their livelihoods. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim are among the states that will be covered by the programme.
It is pertinent to note that through the provision of backward and forward linkages through incubation support, aggregation, skill and entrepreneurial development, sourcing and procurement, marketing, transportation, and publicity, the PTP-NER scheme will assist tribal craftsmen in taking advantage of chances to increase revenue. This plan calls for the organisation of 68 Tribal Artisan Melas (TAMs) in the several districts of the North Eastern Region starting on April 18, 2023, in order to begin the empanelment of tribal artisans from that region.
Besides, considering the vast experience and presence in North Eastern region, North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), a corporation under the administrative control of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), Government of India, India Post under Department of Posts, Government of India, and North Eastern State Government Departments/ Agencies are being engaged as partners under the scheme.
Furthermore, Tribal Artisans/Producers shall be empanelled under this scheme by organising Tribal Artisan Melas (TAMs) and directly. The TAMs will be organised in consultation and support of District Administration and other relevant organisations/ departments working in the field etc. Individual Tribal artisans, Tribal SHGs and Government Organizations/Agencies/VDVKs formed under the PMJVM scheme/FPOs/ tribal societies/ Tribal Producer Organizations can be empanelled. National & International marketing linkages through various online & offline modes shall be provided under this scheme to tribal products of NER.
The programme also includes regular Design & Skill Development training sessions tailored to the needs of the market for tribal recipients. India Post will provide logistics support in order to meet the scheme’s goals. Direct exposure to tribal craftsmen would be provided to all empanelled tribal artisans under the programme through a variety of exhibitions, including Purvotar Aadi Mahotsav, Purvottar Aadi Bazaar, Exclusive North East Craft Mela, etc.
Earlier on his arrival in the State, Arjun Munda called on Governor Anusuiya Uikey at her office in Raj Bhavan. Detailed discussions were held on tribal development and livelihood issues in the State. Ramsinh Rathwa, Chairman (BoD TRIFED) was also present on the occasion.
At the venue, Arjun Munda visited the 50 Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Stalls that were set up in the premises. VDVKs of all the North Eastern States shall be provided market linkages to bring them under a supply chain under PTP-NER scheme.
Other dignitaries present at the programme were Minister for Power, Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Agriculture, Science & Technology Th. Biswajit; Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh (IAS); TRIFED Chairman Ramsinh Rathwa and Geetanjali Gupta of TRIFED.
