Arunachal: Dy CM meets Agri and Allied farmers company
Namsai
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein had an interactive meeting with members of the Namsai Organic Spices and Agricultural Products (NOSAAP) Producer Co.Ltd., Spices Board of India, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Namsai in presence of Deputy Commissioner Dr. Tapasya Raghav and other heads of departments at the District Secretariat Conference Hall.
Mein informed that the Spices Spark coming up in Namsai is the first of its kind in the state. He emphasised that since the farmers company was also a first of its kind in Arunachal Pradesh hence it had a long way to go while assuring his every possible support for its development. He said that there was the central and state schemes which could be extended for the benefit of making the company progressive.
Value addition of products and mechanisation of farming were the core issues discussed during the meet. The Deputy Commissioner informed that funds have been kept aside for procurement of farming machine died which shall be kept at the Farmer’s Training Centre from where the farmers can take the machines on payment of minimum support hire charges. The DCM termed this concept as a Machine Bank which will immensely benefit the farmers.
Senthil Kumaran,Senior Field Officer Spices Board and Chau Athina Chauhai,CEO NOSAAP and Dr.Binod Dutta Borah,SMS KVK were present and gave their inputs. While Kumaran gave an overview of the schemes and programmes of the Spices Board, Chauhai layer out the requirement of machines for planting,weeding etc besides a godown at Namsai. Borah from KVK also presented the activities and support system in place extendable to the farmers. Later it was decided that a roadmap will be drawn involving all the stakeholders in order to implement all the programmes taken up to make the outcome smooth.
Next,the Deputy Chief Minister met all the employees of the District Secretariat at the conference hall in presence of the Deputy Commissioner and other head of departments. The Dy CM briefed the employees regarding the pen/tool down strike called by CoSAAP and the government’s stand. He said that the givernment was in no mood to budge as it has done enough on the demands of CoSAAP earlier like enhancement of retirement age inspite of opposition from various quarters and most importantly the implementation of 7th Pay Commission recommendations,the first in North East India. He said that at present 70% funds were being allocated for salaries while a meagre 30% is only left to undertake other welfare and development activities. He added that the government was bound to spend consciously so that overdraft could be avoided and that decisions cannot be taken which may become a finacial burden at a later staged. Hence, the government will do everything possible for the welfare of the employees provided it is within the capacity of available revenue and resources.
Mein also said that Arunachal has one of the highest population employee ratio. He said everyone is asking for employment generation and the government is also aware of the concerns but a formula has to be worked out so that employment is given in one or the other form.
He was stern while saying that CoSAAP has been run by a handful of people and has taken the government for granted. He said that the government is very clear as it will not budge with the actions of CoSAAP. He appealed the employees to support and cooperate with the government otherwise they should be ready to face the consequences in terms of action as per rules. He said that as per rule disciplinary proceedings will be initiated. He said that the present government was being run with a strong political will.
