HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Dec 22: A five-day district-level entrepreneurs’ conclave, the Swadeshi Mela, began in Kokrajhar on Monday with a focus on promoting local enterprise and self-reliance.
The fair is being organised by the Assam Small Industries Development Corporation Limited (ASIDC) in collaboration with the District Industries and Commerce Centre.
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The Swadeshi Mela, being held at the premises of the Kokrajhar District Industries and Commerce Centre, was inaugurated by BTC Executive Member for Industries and Commerce Mun Mun Brahma. Addressing the gathering, Brahma lauded the participation of young entrepreneurs who have put their home-made products on display and praised the talent and skills of the entrepreneurial youth of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) area.
She expressed confidence that the creativity and courage of young entrepreneurs would not only help them become self-reliant but also play a key role in strengthening the economic foundation of BTC.
Brahma said that after taking charge of the Industries and Commerce Department, her priority is to create better market opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Referring to future initiatives, she said the Hagrama Mohilary-led BTC Council government is planning to introduce special schemes for entrepreneurs on the lines of those implemented by the Assam government.
She added that ₹100 crore has already been earmarked by BTC for the promotion of young entrepreneurs, with a proposal to provide financial assistance of ₹2 lakh to each entrepreneur for self-employment.
The Swadeshi Mela features 20 stalls set up by self-help groups and partner organisations, showcasing a range of locally produced goods.
The inaugural programme was attended by General Manager of Kokrajhar District Industries and Commerce Centre Rohiteswar Narzary, BTC Industries and Commerce Department Joint Secretary Jyotimoy Daimary, Assistant Director of District Industries Rakesh Kashyap, Detsung Khugur Basumatary, ASIDC Deputy Director Akhil Narayan Bhowmik, social worker Rahul Narzary and other dignitaries.
