Taking a visionary initiative toward tribal welfare, Anurag Bajpai, IFS, PCCF & HoFF, and Additional Chief Secretary (TCI; Transport) distributed machines/tools to 6 VDVKs (Van Dhan Vikas Kendras) under PM JVM (Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission) and 2 Mini-Trifoods VDVKs under the PMFME (Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) Scheme today at the Autonomous District Council Hall, Senapati.
The 6 VDVKs include Rajaimei VDVK, N’Tazang VDVK, Harmony VDVK, Cosmos VDVK, Peony VDVK and Magnolia VDVK under PM JVM, while 2 Mini-Trifoods — Shovorii-Labapui VDVK and Swess-Kans VDVK under PMFME — received machines/tools such as Heavy Mixer Grinder, Pulveriser, Vacuum Packing Machine, Dehydrator, Automatic Biomass Charcoal Briquette Machine, Industrial Boiler, Automatic Filling Machine, Vertical Pouch Packing Machine, Labelling Machine etc., which were all purchased from Government e-Market (GeM).
Addressing the gathering in his Chief Guest speech, Anurag Bajpai, IFS, PCCF & HoFF, and ACS (TCI; Transport), stated that the economy can grow only with improved mobility. He stated that the supply source in the State is always from forest, agriculture and horticulture, which need protection and care as they provide the basic source of livelihood for all living beings. He continued that the jhum area plantation should be planted with industrial species of high value so that income generation may increase.
He also highlighted the importance of the transport system in the State, assuring that the government is working on bringing down logistic costs through subsidies under the RAMP Scheme. The government is also working on bringing down the cost of production to make it more market competitive. In an effort to improve mobility of vendors and small enterprises, the government is working on setting up logistics parking and a bus depot in the district.
He informed that the Industrial Estate is under construction at Katomai, Senapati and, given its mandates, is to be completed by the 31st of March, 2026. It will provide a platform for VDVKs to participate at a higher level, he added.
Gaitholu Thaimei, IFS, CCF (T-II) cum Nodal Officer, TRIFED, Government of Manipur, said that the distribution of machines and tools will enhance all-year-round activities of production for VDVKs and urged them to continue with the ongoing activities.
It may be mentioned that the Maram tribe of Manipur is identified as PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) amongst Manipur’s Scheduled Tribes, as they are at a lower level of development than other tribal groups. The Government of India has several schemes focused on the development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). These schemes aim to improve the socio-economic conditions of these communities by addressing their unique needs and challenges.
Around 200 members from different villages of the Maram, Mao and Poumai tribes 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, IFS, PCCF & HoFF, and ACS (TCI; Transport) inaugurated a barrack at Mao Range Office, Song Song Block, Senapati under Senapati Forest Division. He also chaired a review meeting on leaders and CSOs of Mao along with forest officials and staff of Senapati at the newly inaugurated barrack at Mao.
The meeting was attended by Smt. Gaithaolu Thaimei, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests/T-II cum Nodal Officer, TRIFED; Shri Arun R.S., IFS, Conservator of Forests, Northern Circle; Shri Shanngam S., IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Senapati; the village chairmen and Secretaries of Mao villages; members of the Mao Council; the organising committee of the Cherry Blossom Festival; and staff of the Forest Department, Senapati.
