SITA Extends Financial Support To Barpeta Fireworks Industry

HT Bureau

GUWAHATI, April 30: Vice chairman Ramen Deka of State Innovation and Transformation Aayog (SITA), Assam handed over a demand draft of Rs 15 lakh as revolving fund to strengthen Barpeta Atasbaji Silpa Samabai Samiti during a ceremonial function held at the Officers’ Club, Barpeta on Saturday in the presence of deputy commissioner TP Bhusal, Anil Das, vice chairman AFC and other dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, the vice chairman stated that after taking the problems faced by the Samiti and discussing the matter with all stakeholders, it was decided to support the firework industry with a revolving fund for its development and for future prospects.

SITA is supporting the firework industry of Barpeta with the condition that the advisory committee which was formed under the chairmanship of deputy commissioner, Barpeta to look after the Barpeta Atasbaji Silpa Samabai Samiti producing firework products which may not emit sound more than the prescribed high decimal limit for green crackers and so to maintain the standard pollution free firework products.

It may be mentioned here that Ramen Deka along with a team of officials of SITA visited Barpeta to take stock of the industry last year and he felt the need to provide financial support for the revolving fund. An advisory committee with deputy commissioner, Barpeta as chairman and general manager, DICC, Barpeta as member convenor was formed for the purpose. It is hoped that with this help from SITA, the industry can reach a new height again which in fact has a glorious past.

The ceremonial function was co-ordinated by the district administration of Barpeta and Industry and Commerce and was also attended by GG Das, advisor (F&A) SITA, DS Hazari, ARO, SITA and other officials.