Nagaland Master Printers Association officials and others during general meeting in Kohima on November 6. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 6
The Nagaland Master Printers Association (NMPA) today held its general meeting cum felicitation of one of its members Vihu Meyase for being elected as vice president East Zone, All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP).
Addressing the function held at AMK building, NMPA president Mhiesizokho Zinyü said that during the initial years there was no printers association. However, in the 70s the printing press in Kohima came together and started the association under the name and style of Nagaland Printing Press Association.
“Today, we too have come of age and we have revived our association as Nagaland Master Printers Association and got it affiliated with All India Federation of Master Printers on 28 September 2007,” he said.
Keep pace with fast developing scenario
As far as printing technology is concerned, he said, we are still many years behind the others in India.
He said that technology is developing at a rapid pace and changing many established methods. The print and design industries are excellent example of areas seeing these changes and innovations. In order to remain competitive and profitable, we have to keep pace with the fast developing scenario, Zinyü said and opined that both the large and small printing houses should get themselves updated on the latest developments in their industries, particularly in software and machines.
In order to be fully equipped with printing knowledge, it is important that all the printing houses in Nagaland sponsor candidates to printing institutes in the country to gain knowledge about print and design, he said.
He maintained that Indian print industry has undergone a revolutionary change during the last three decades. “Today, India is fast becoming one of the major print producers and printing quality standards have improved dramatically and immense production capacity have been created. The Indian printing industry is growing at a fast pace, and the industry has undergone a revolutionary change,” Zinyii said.
He said that AIFMP is the apex body of Indian printers which represent more than 2,50,000 printing companies. AIFMP is the world's largest Printers Association.
Currently, printing sector is all set to become booming in India due to available technology, resource at economical cost; though a big restraint at the moment is GST, he said.
Lack of sufficient printing works
In Nagaland, the main drawback for the growth of the print industry is lack of sufficient printing works. At present, the printers in the state are not getting any printing work of good value from the government, Zinyü lamented.
“While the value of government printing works amounting to crores of rupees, most of these printing works are hijacked from source to other states by vested interests, and the Nagaland printers are kept hungry. We are, however, now in touch with the Raj Bhavan and hopefully looking forward to better days in the near future,” he said.
‘NMPA can progress and grow’
Also speaking at the function, Vihu Meyase said “For the trust given to me in becoming the vice president (East Zone, AIFMP) I pledge today to diligently work for the welfare of our association.”
Meyase hoped that NMPA would remain steadfast in unison and good co-ordination together to assist, encourage and give him directions as he takes up this new responsibility.
“NMPA can progress and grow immensely only if we remain united and strong as an association. Let us all resolve to work together for the welfare of our association only then the government shall recognize our rights and stand together with us,” he said.
Mesaye, who is also treasurer of NMPA, requested the printers who are yet to register with NMPA to register with the Association “so that together we support each other and protect our rights as printers.”
NMPA general secretary Razouhü Swüro recalled that the NMPA had submitted a representation to Nagaland Governor on March 19 this year, appealing the state government to issue an administrative order for allotment of printing works of government departments in favour of local printers in Nagaland through the office of NMPA.
“We are expecting a favourable decision from him (Governor) at any time in this regard” he said.
Earlier, the function was chaired by NMPA vice president Zievinyü Yalietsu while vote of thanks was proposed by NMPA vice president Povotso Lohe.
