The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has sanctioned Rs 65.17 crore for the development and promotion of MSMEs in Tripura for the financial year 2024-25 under the “RAMP” scheme of the Ministry. The announcement was made by Kiran Gitte, Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce, during a press conference held at the Secretariat on Friday. The initiative aims to provide training to 32,000 educated unemployed youths over the next three years, equipping them with the skills necessary for the development and promotion of MSMEs.
‘PM Ekta Mall’ Coming to Agartala:
Highlighting the various developmental projects and initiatives of the Department, Gitte announced the establishment of a “PM Ekta Mall” at the Agartala Jute Mill Complex. This modern mall, dedicated to the sale and promotion of indigenous products from Tripura and beyond, will be built on 4.18 acres of land at Dukli Circle at an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared by Agartala Smart City Limited.
Rs 186 Cr MoUs Signed at NE Summit:
In an effort to attract investment to the state and the Northeast region, several investment summits were organized. Notably, the North East Investment Summit held in New Delhi on March 6, 2024, saw the signing of 14 MoUs worth Rs 186,151 crore. Already, six investors have committed Rs 2,985 crore to projects in the state. Additionally, the state has registered 57,114 individuals under the Udyam scheme as of March 31, 2024.
Tripura Embraces PM Vishwakarma Yojana:
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana, launched nationwide on September 17, 2023, aims to support and empower artisans involved in handicrafts. In Tripura, 10,904 artisans have been registered for training out of approximately 50,000 applicants as of June 7, 2024. The state has allocated a total of Rs 33.61 crore under the Tripura Industrial Investment Incentive Scheme since its inception in 2019. An additional Rs 52.51 crore has been approved under the Central Incentive Scheme over the same period.
Bangladesh-Tripura Trade Booming:
Gitte also provided insights into the trade relations between Bangladesh and Tripura, revealing that trade amounted to Rs 715.98 crore in the last fiscal year. The Srinagar border haat is currently operational, and plans are underway to reopen the Kamalpur border haat soon. The Tripura Industrial Development Corporation achieved a historic milestone by collecting Rs 9.80 crore in lease rent and lease premium during the financial year 2023-24, the highest in the state’s history.
Initiatives for Tea Sector:
Further, in a significant step initiated by the Tripura Tea Development Corporation, the Agartala Tea Auction Center was inaugurated. Efforts are being made to modernize the Brahmakunda tea processing factory and establish a mini tea processing factory at Machmara.
The matter of starting a tea management course at MBB University is under consideration. Gitte said the admission process for 3,975 seats in 19 government ITIs in the state will start on September 2, 2024. He also highlighted the “Unnati” project, PMFME project etc.
At the press conference, Biswashree B, Director of the Department of Industry and Commerce, elaborated on the various initiatives of the said department and the various programs of the Department of Skill Development.
(Tripura, Tripura News)
