Guwahati: DoNER ministry secretary Naveen Verma has urged the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi) to adopt a more aggressive and faster pace for the development of the region.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest on the 23rd foundation day celebration of the organisation here on Thursday, Verma said, "NEDFi is moving on the right track but it needs to adopt a more aggressive and faster pace for the development of the region. There is a gap between demand for handmade products and their supply. There is a pool of talented artisans in the region but they are not integrated into the marketing system. People of the Northeast are sentimental and aspirational. They lose hope easily. Schemes for the region's development should be taken to the doorstep of people."
Ver ma released three important studies carried out by the advisory and consultancy division of NEDFi. These include a report on skill development for Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur and Tripura, state specific project profiles on micro and small enterprises for Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura and Sikkim and a techno commercial feasibility study on e-commerce platform for marketing of handloom and handicraft produces of the Northeast. "Studies, carried out by NEDFi, will be of immense help in formulating policies," he added.
The regional director of development commissioner of handicrafts, (Northeast region) N.L. Palai, gracing the event as the guest of honour, talked about the potential of handicrafts of the region in the international market. She urged the participants to maintain consistency in their work on handloom and handicrafts.
The five-day North East Craft and Organic Fair was also inaugurated by Verma. Thirty-five craft units and 15 certified organic producers from across the region are participating in the event.
An exhibition on adventure sports and a workshop on using various types of natural fibres, including banana fibre, have also been organised. Earlier, NEDFi chief managing director B.P. Muktieh addressed the gathering on the organisation's journey and performance.
