Fireworks display at Concept-2003. Picture by Uma Shankar Dubey

Jamshedpur, Jan. 10: Nostalgia, encouragement, promises and fireworks marked the beginning of the three-day “Concept-2003” — trade and technology show — at NIT ground here this evening as the chief guest and state industries minister P.N. Singh pressed the button to light the huge electric candle to inaugurate the show.

The event, the brainchild of ex-students of RIT (now NIT) is being jointly organised by RIT Alumni Association, Small Industries Service Institute (SISI) and Adityapur Small Industries Association (ASIA).

More than 70 industrial units of the state, mostly from the twin cities of Jamshedpur and Adityapur, are showcasing their products at Concept-2003 to boost and diversify their markets. Senior officials of big units, who make bulk purchases, would visit the fair and interact with the owners of the industrial units.

“This is one of the well organised shows that I have visited,” said the chief guest.

He appreciated the efforts of the RIT Alumni Association for putting its best foot forward for developing the state. He also appreciated the efforts of SISI and ASIA.

“We have to focus our attention on development of infrastructure without which industries cannot grow. The Marandi government is also trying to improve the infrastructure. And I am convinced that industries in the state are bound to develop once we take care of the infrastructure,” Singh added.

Admitting that industrialists of Adityapur have to face numerous problems like bad roads, poor electricity supply and inadequate water supply, the industries minister promised that he would try to solve these problems.

“Funds would never be a constraint for Adityapur Industrial Area Development Authority (Aiada), the nodal agency that has been entrusted with the responsibility to oversee proper growth of the biggest industrial estate of the state. In the current fiscal my department has allocated Rs 12.5 crore for Aiada for development work. We are preparing the budget allocation for Aiada for the next fiscal. Funds would be made available to Aiada after they utilise funds that had been sanctioned earlier,” the minister added.