Member Secretary SCB, Government of India, Ranjit Ranjan Okandiar, IFS inaugurated Samarth Scheme for capacity building in Textile Sector at Sericulture office, Dimapur on 30th November 2021.
Addressing the gathering, Okandiar said that Nagaland can lead in the development of Eri silk which can become one of the strength of the state. He therefore called the people of the State to give proper attention to eri production and to further enhance the quality development with the implementation of Samarth Scheme.
Nodal officer, Samarth Scheme, Dr. Siddique Ahmed, while delivering keynote address said that the entire villages of Nagaland are united by a major occupation which is handloom, handicraft and Sericulture. He also said that development of a particular state or a country is totally depend on two major factors which were skill and knowledge of its people which were the guiding force for economic growth and social development. Speaking on the importance of skill development, he said that the country is one is the less trained members in the whole world and the main reason behind the unemployment problem is the lack of vocational trainings during formal education. He said that India having one of the youngest population with 62% of 15-59 years if those workable force were skilled any requirement can be fulfilled and with that vision, he said, Prime Minister after coming to power has given more focus on skill development by creating separate Ministry. He also pointed out that textile which is the second highest employment generation sector in the country, special focus has been given by launching Samarth Scheme under which training will be given and the certificate will be awarded by the Ministry after assessment of the trainees which will be recognized or accepted by all. He was optimistic that with the launching of the Scheme, the quality and productivity will be improved to strengthen the economy of the state.
Director, Sericulture Department, Nagaland, T. Sanny Pongener, who also delivered the welcome address during the programme, said that farmers of Nagaland have been practising Sericulture in conventional and unscientific manner and progress of the industry was not much encouraging up to IX plan period however, mindset of Sericulture farmers has been drastically changed after implementation of Catalytic development program under the technical guidance and supervision of Central Silk Board which was further rejuvenated through implementation of various projects for which he expressed gratitude to the member Secretary SCP and Senior officers of SCP for their inspiration, cooperation and guidance towards successful implementation of the projects.
During the inaugural programme Deputy Director Sericulture, Mhianizoto Meyase, delivered the vote of thanks. The day was also marked by distribution of grass cutters to beneficiaries.
(Watimenla, IA Dimapur)
