Baghmara, Jan 18: The union minister overseeing the country’s second highest employment generating ministry- Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), visited remote South Garo Hills district on Saturday where he urged the ministry officials and members to take a more proactive role in ensuring wider publicity of its benefits for the citizens of Garo Hills and the state.
The union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who is also a former chief minister of Bihar, arrived by chopper at Baghmara and was greeted by South Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Richard Yanthan and other top government officials. He held a review meeting with district officers and entrepreneurs at the New Circuit House.
Though expressing satisfaction with the overall performance of the district, Union Minister Manjhi felt the need for a stronger and larger establishment of the MSME in Meghalaya, including Garo Hills, to ensure people from the region are able to avail its benefits.
As a first step, the minister directed the MSME members to create more awareness programs about the various facilities available in MSME that can be utilized by the beneficiaries.
Minister Manjhi also raised queries on the various limitations and problems faced in the district, taking special note to bring it to the immediate attention of the central government.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Richard Yanthan, IAS, gave a presentation to the union minister on the progress and achievements made in the district, as well as the challenges faced by the departments in implementing various government flagship programmes, including centrally sponsored schemes.
The director (GA&TP) Vinamra Mishra, IAS, also gave a presentation on the MSME contributions in Meghalaya and pointed out that next to Agriculture, MSME is the second highest employment generator in the country.
A crucial project of the centre- PM Vishnakarma, being carried out by the Ministry of MSME was also highlighted at the meet by Dr Milind Ramteke, IAS, Director (PM Vishnakarma) Division MSME Ministry, where he explained the target and progress being made under PM Vishwakarma project.
The union minister also handed over a Cheque of Rs 25 thousand under the Horticulture Department for the promotion of Organic Manure and construction of Vermi compost, while beneficiaries of Skill Development training were presented with completion certificates.
