As part of the series of review meetings planned for different government departments, chief minister N. Biren Singh chaired a joint review meeting of the Directorate of Trade Commerce and Industries and the Directorate of Handloom and Textiles at Chief Minister’s Secretariat today.
Principal Secretary (Textiles, Commerce and Industries) P. Vaiphei presented a detailed account of varied activities, achievements and issues of the two directorates through a Power Point presentation at the meeting
Vaiphei said that the State will host the World Bamboo Workshop, 2019 under the slogan, ‘Breaking the challenges of bamboo for a better future’ from February 4 to 8 next year. Chief Ministers of all the North East States would grace the opening function of the workshop, he said.
Efforts are being made to revive Jiribam Tea Estate having a total area of 1100 acres. Manipur Industrial Development Corporation Limited (MANIDCO) has submitted an estimate of Rs. 194.10 lakh for boundary fencing of the estate to check illegal encroachment.
The Chief Minister instructed the authority concerned to take up immediate steps for boundary fencing and eviction of illegal encroachments. Advisor to chief minister Rajat Sethi, who was also present at the meeting, suggested the officials to explore ways to rope in private companies as well in reviving the tea estate.
N. Biren Singh asked the officials of the Department to present a detailed presentation of the present status of the government’s plan on the revival of Loitang Khunou Spinning Mill in the next meeting. He also instructed them to come up with the total project cost, number of jobs to be created by the project, types of machinaries to be used etc.
He also directed to convene a meeting on December 29 to discuss the present scenario of Indo-Myanmar trade at Moreh. The meeting will be chaired by the Chief Minister, and high ranking officials from Trade Commerce and Industries, Finance and representatives from Border Trade and Chamber of Commerce, Moreh will take part.
Continuing his presentation, P. Vaiphei informed that the State Government has received approval in principle from the Government of India regarding seeking loan from NABARD for the construction of warehouses in Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Ukhrul, Imphal East and Tamenglong districts. The total project cost is Rs. 3851.13 lakh.
The Department has also submitted a proposal for the development of salt springs in the State at an estimated cost of Rs. 12,435.33 lakh. In addition to the existing industrial estates located at Takyelpat (Imphal East District), Tera Urak (Bishnupur District) and Kuraopokpi (Thoubal District), efforts are being made to open industrial estates in all the remaining districts as well with the funds from Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and North Eastern Council (NEC).
Phase-I of the Power Loom Estate developed at Lamboikhongnangkhong having 100 power looms is ready for inauguration. On the other hand, Ministry of Textiles has approved in principle to develop Handloom Park at Thongju in Imphal East District at Rs.9.04 crore. The Chief Minister directed the officials concerned to take up necessary steps to use garments manufactured in the State only in stitching of school uniform from the next academic session.

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