Manipur bats for self-employment, inclusive development

Manipur [India] August 17 (ANI): The Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles organised a start-up conclave at the city convention centre in Imphal with the aim to unleash the potential of youth entrepreneurs of Manipur. The event was inaugurated by Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

"I am very happy that lots of entrepreneurs have the potential while we are trying to expose it to the market in economically viable ways," Singh said, adding, Rs. 30 crores has been earmarked in the state budget to help budding entrepreneurs to set up their businesses.

Youth in the Northeast are increasingly getting inclined towards entrepreneurial activities and becoming self-reliant. To cash in on various schemes launched by the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, many young entrepreneurs are setting up the finest examples by launching their own businesses.

The main objective of the mission is to help attain self-employment and inclusive development besides economic empowerment of traditional artisans and craftsmen of the state.

During the programme, a brief presentation of the top six successful start-ups - Hill Wild, Khumanthem, Dweller, Loktak, Synergy and kaksoi were showcased.

Suresh J Babu, Chief Secretary of Manipur said, "Entrepreneurship requires money which they borrow from the banks. For this, we plan to provide them with seed capital money which is maximum 30 lakhs."

Out of the total 334 Start-ups, 29 were selected under Revenue Stage Start-Up, 200 beneficiaries in Idea Stage and 105 beneficiaries in Entrepreneur Support Scheme category.

Digbijoy Sharma, CEO, Loktak Industries said, "I feel very thankful. I began my business in 2015 and never got support from the state government until now. It's-a big opportunity for us. And, I would like to thank CM, planning department and Bank of Baroda."

Zeinorin Stephen, Founder, Hill Wild said, "Though the manufacturing is done in Ukhrul we bring the stocks to Imphal. We have logistic outsource partner to take care of our distribution. We have recently started retailing all over the northeast."

This start-up policy would nurture and encourage start-ups and entrepreneurs in job creation and economic growth of the State. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI