AIZAWL: The Centre has assured Mizoram of its support for setting up an MSME Technology Centre in the state, a move aimed at boosting skill development, entrepreneurship and industrial growth, according to an official statement issued on Friday.
The assurance was given during a meeting between Mizoram's Labour, Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar and Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Jitan Ram Manjhi in New Delhi on Thursday evening.
During the discussions, the two ministers reviewed the proposal for establishing the technology centre. Manjhi assured that the Ministry of MSME would provide the required assistance once the Mizoram government completes the necessary proposals and procedural formalities, the statement said.
Highlighting the importance of the MSME sector in the state, Hmar said the majority of business establishments in Mizoram fall within the MSME category and serve as a major source of employment for the state's youth.
He also pointed out that Mizoram has one of the highest proportions of working-age people in the country relative to its population, making it well-positioned to benefit from increased investment in the MSME sector.
According to Hmar, several measures to promote MSMEs have already been incorporated into the state's flagship Bana Kaih (Handholding) Scheme.
The Union minister appreciated the Mizoram government's initiatives to promote youth development and reiterated the Centre's commitment to extending all possible support for the growth of the MSME sector in the state, the statement added.
Hmar, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, also called on Union Tourism Additional Secretary Suman Billa on Thursday to review the implementation of ongoing tourism projects and discuss proposals for new initiatives in Mizoram.
The meeting also explored ways to encourage tourists from outside the state to extend their stay and visit more destinations across Mizoram.
On Friday, in his capacity as Sports Minister, Hmar met Shyama Prasad Roy, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Minority Affairs, to review the progress of sports infrastructure and other projects being implemented in Mizoram with support from the ministry.
The two sides discussed the responsibilities of both the Centre and the state government and agreed to expedite follow-up action wherever required.
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The minister also held talks with India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) Chairperson Mugdha Sinha on tourism promotion and capacity-building programmes for stakeholders in the state's tourism sector.
In another meeting, he met Vineel Krishna, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, to discuss various initiatives aimed at further strengthening sports development in Mizoram, the statement said.