45 pc budget sanctioned in hill areas: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 25 2021: Pointing out that 45 per cent of the state's total budget is sanctioned in hill areas, chief minister N Biren has assured that a white paper on the same will be furnished at the earliest.

As chief guest of the Startup Conclave, 2021, organised by state planning department at City Convention Centre, Palace Compound on Monday, the CM pointed out that though Startup was launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Naren-dra Modi, Manipur did not have StartUp scheme until the BJP-led government in the state introduced it in March 2018 .

N Biren said that StartUp Manipur Scheme is supporting dynamic youth with promising innovative ideas and Rs 114.56 crore has been sanctioned to many beneficiaries under different categories so far.

5995 beneficiaries had been shortlisted under the scheme, out of which monetary benefits have been provided to 5477 beneficiaries till now.

Stating that Manipur has many talented and hardworking youth, the chief minister said that it is a matter of great satisfaction that many products manufactured by different firms benefited under the StartUp Manipur scheme are even being exported now.

He pointed out that StartUp Manipur had three categories namely Revenue, Idea and Entrepreneurs Support Scheme (ESS) earlier.

StandUp Manipur was added in 2019-20 to promote the first time venture of SC/ST/OBC/women/minority/differently-abled entrepreneurs.

This year, another sub-category under idea stage has been included to address the impact of Covid pandemic on existing small business/trade owners.

CM N Biren maintained that Manipur is now moving forward and urged the people to refrain from negative mind-sets and instead work together in a positive way with the idea of collectiveness.

Observing that the rate of availing benefits of government related schemes in hills and areas resided by Meitei Pangals is low, N Biren urged the people to take the opportunity of the schemes as it will enhance their livelihood and economy.

If people are indulging in such activities, then they could divert themselves from illegal activities such as drug business, he observed.

Expressing gratitude to banks for extending co-operation in the successful implementation of the scheme, Biren, however, urged them to speed up loan process so that no unnecessary' inconvenience is caused to the applicants.

He also exhorted the people especially talented and hardworking entrepreneurs to take the opportunity of availing benefits under StartUp Manipur for economic prosperity of the state.

The chief minister also announced that 'Go to Village 2.0' would commence from November, and it would be implemented alongside 'Chief Minister's Health for All'.

Regarding the mass illness among children in Churachanpur, the chief minister informed that an expert team had examined the situation which is now stable.

Discussions are also on with cabinet ministers for reopening schools and colleges, he added.

Speaking as the functional president, deputy chief minister Y Joykumar observed that by using the benefits of StartUp Manipur, beneficiaries should develop their business bit by bit so as to make it big.

He also expressed hope that entrepreneurs would definitely contribute to bringing economic prosperity in the state.

Works minister Th Biswajit, in his speech, said that StartUp would ensure realization of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan, 'Vocal for Local' and make Manipur achieves Atmanirbhar' (self-reliant) .

With the introduction of StartUp Manipur, there has been constant growth in the number of industries and entrepreneurs in the state, the minister claimed.

It may be mentioned here that this year, under the Idea Stage (COVID economic package) Rs 1 lakh each that include Rs 30,000 subsidy will be provided to 4500 beneficial ries.

This amount may be enhanced up to Rs 3 lakh according to the performance of the beneficiary.

On the other hand, benefits worth Rs 1.2 crore (Rs 3 lakh of each beneficiary) will be provided to 40 beneficiaries under Idea Stage (Innovative) .

Under Revenue Stage, new sanctions will be issued to 72 beneficiaries while another 48 beneficiaries have been selected under StandUp.

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