BTC members meet the Advisor to the Chief Minister Mr. Pradeep Sharma and share their experiences
“Chhattisgarh Government will provide all possible support and guidance to Assam in adopting the RIPA model” : Mr. Pradeep Sharma
Raipur, 17 August 2023/ Members of the Bodoland Territorial Committee (BTC), on a one-day study tour in Chhattisgarh, have expressed admiration for the impactful Rural Industrial Park (RIPA). The committee visited the Serikhedi Multi Utility Centre as well as the RIPA facilities in Lakholi and Kosrangi within the Raipur district. They observed various livelihood-related activities conducted in these centres and gathered comprehensive insights. During a meeting with the Chief Minister’s Advisor, Mr. Pradeep Sharma, at the State Planning Commission office in Nava Raipur, the BTC members shared their tour experience. They lauded RIPA as a commendable measure to bolster the local economy and provide grassroots employment opportunities. The committee members acknowledged that after hearing about Chhattisgarh’s initiatives, witnessing them firsthand left a strong impression.
The Bodoland Territorial Committee members praised the systematic approach of RIPA’s implementation, spanning production to marketing and yielding everyday-use products. They hailed the scheme for enhancing rural skill development and local employment. Recognising its potential, they expressed interest in adopting a similar model in Bodoland, where substantial handlooms and goods are produced. In discussions with Mr. Pradeep Sharma and the State Planning Commission, the BTC members received answers to their queries and concerns about RIPA, aiming to glean insights for potential implementation in their region.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Mr.Pradeep Sharma, elaborated on the ambitious Narva Garuva Ghurva and Bari program of the state government to the BTC members. He highlighted the strengthening of the rural economy through employment-oriented endeavours within Gauthans and RIPAs. He shared the state government has established 300 RIPAs in just one year, with two operating in each development block, featuring free Wi-Fi access. Notably, the state government has constructed 1213 functional sheds within these RIPAs, providing space to1383 enterprises and benefiting around 11 thousand individuals. Mr. Sharma also highlighted the scientific canal treatment, which ensures year-round water flow and elevated water source levels, consequently facilitating improved farming conditions.
During the discussions between BTC and the State Planning Commission, Mr. Sharma offered the state government’s support and guidance to Assam if they wanted to adopt the ‘RIPA model’. Mr.Ajay Singh, Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission, Dr. K.K. Subramaniam, Deputy Head of BTC, and Mr. G.C. Basumatary, Secretary Mr. Jatin Bora, Development Advisor Dr. Sunil Kaul, OSD Mr. G.D. Barua, Mr. Charanjit Basumatary, Mr. Arpan Bhattacharjee, Mr. Srish Kalyani, Joint Director of the State Planning Commission Dr. Neetu Goradiya, and the Additional Chief Executive Officer of Raipur District Panchayat Mr. Harikrishna Joshi, were present during the discussions.
