Port Blair, Feb 15: The Valedictory Programme of Training Programme on Fashion Garments under STST exclusively for Women sponsored by National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, GoI, and conducted by ANCON was held at the Conference Hall of Veterinary Hospital, Goal Ghar on Tuesday, February 14, 2012.
Speaking on the occasion the Chief Guest of the programme, Mr. Ajai Saxena, IFS, Principal Secretary (Industries), A & N Administration informed the gathering that in view of the developing tourism activities Designer Garments can also be promoted amongst others like Cane, Wood & Shell items as it will have a growing demand. However before venturing a need assessment of the product is to be done and efforts should be made to make it competitive. He highlighted that Designer Garments of high value should be created for the upmarket tourists which will have a local touch or flavor (Nicobari dresses etc.) & should act as a reminder of these islands. He also informed that very soon NID will be developing designs for products of A & N Islands. Mr. Saxena suggested that the trainees should visit to Havelock to have a firsthand knowledge of tourists visiting the islands & also the Garment demands in the local market at Havelock emanating due to the tourist demand. Principal Secretary distributed certificates to the successful trainees and also interacted with the trainees about the design aspects of the garments made during the training programme.
The Director of Industries, Er. M. N. Murali said that the Directorate can assist the trainees for land / shed, finance & Marketing & all possible assistance & facilities can be given. Finance can be given through PMEGP scheme & marketing can be provided through Sagarika & Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan emporias. He further elaborated that advanced training in same field can be arranged in Dr. BRAIT, Pahargaon through a Scheme of KVIB / KVIC.
Mr. S. K. Halder, JS & GM, DIC, A & N Admn. exhorted the trainees to take up self employment & to avail benefits of PMEGP scheme to get finance. He informed that there is a dearth of skilled manpower in this field & therefore it has a bright future & all departments & developmental agencies promoting entrepreneurship will help the trainees in their endeavours.
Er. Johnson Abraham, Officer in charge, ANCON informed the gathering about the objective of Department of Science & Technology, GoI, New Delhi to ease the unemployment problem by encouraging the youth to set up their own enterprise and become job providers instead of job seekers. In order to achieve this objective a combination of efforts is to be made for creation or upgradation of skills through low cost scientific inputs/ technology in the selected trade, harnessing the resources of S & T infrastructure in the country, introducing new trades suitable to local environment, creation of income/employment opportunity & in the process enhance quality of services/products leading to enhancement of earnings. He also informed that this programme is the 1st one during the year in this series. Though it is not a new field, the advancement in technology & obsolescence requires imparting/upgradation of skills. Keeping this in view and the requirement of youth of A & N Islands, ANCON organized the programme at Port Blair. The training has been provided by Smti. Kiran Gupta, Master Trainer who is well qualified and experienced in the line. After completion of training programme ANCON will be providing its support for a further period of 2 years for preparation of project report, registration of the unit with DIC, assistance for availing loan from banks, financial institutions or through Govt. schemes like PMEGP, and other teething problems which may arise during the fledgling years of a new unit.
Earlier Mr. A. K. Bhattacharjee, Advisor, ANCON welcomed the gathering & anchored the programme. One of the trainee Smti. Bela Sarkar shared her experience of the training programme. Vote of Thanks was proposed by Mr. S. Chakraborty, Professional Associate, ANCON.
