DIMAPUR, MARCH 12 (MExN): Rajya Sabha MP from Nagaland TR Zeliang on March 10 raised issues which had been “kept in the dark by the Union Ministries, plus the answers to unemployment,” according to a release.
Asking for food processing units in all district headquarters of the North East, the MP said in Parliament such a move would help farmers in their “marketing nightmare” since meat is a perishable item. Saying that this ‘mission’ would also help solve the unemployment problem to a great extent, Zeliang’s question was whether the Union Ministry or the concerned minister had earmarked specific fund provision for the region in general and Nagaland in particular so as to encourage processing units during the 2006-2007 program.
Replying to the query, Union Minister for Food Processing, Subodh Kant Sahay said there was no specific fund allocated for any state but said his ministry encouraged entrepreneurs and States to come forward with these types of projects and proposals. “He also promised that if any such proposal came from Nagaland, they would certainly give priority to it.” A summit named ‘Focus North East’ would be jointly held under the aegis of the ministry and the ministry of agriculture in Nagaland on March 27, the minister said.
Zeliang further pointed out that the funding pattern under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries states that the Centre’s share is 33 percent while the entrepreneurs’ share is 67 percent. Entrepreneurs find it practically difficult to raise such amounts, he said. “Moreover, the MP lamented the fact that State Banks and other Financial Agencies were reluctant to provide loan against such schemes.”
He asked the Centre to address the issue seriously. Zeliang also asked the minister whether such guidelines were on the pipeline and whether the Central share could be increased to 90 percent from the present 33 percent in order to encourage private entrepreneurs in the region.
The Union Minister said his ministry was reviewing the situation. He also assured that the matter was with a “group of ministers” and that the increase of Central share was being considered. The minister also informed that Rs 1000 crores re-financing window was being created.
.jpg)
