Friday, November 23, 2007

CM advises priority for nature-based industries

Gangtok: In a meeting held at his Mintokgang official residence on Thursday, the Chief Minister, Dr. Pawan Chamling, who chaired the meeting, advised SIDICO and SABBCO, two funding agencies under the state government, that priorities should be given to nature-based industries and tourism-related industries, such as hotels, memento making, horticulture, floriculture etc.

The meeting on the implementation of the Chief Minister’s Self-Employment Scheme was attended by the Chief Secretary, Managing Directors of SIDICO and SABBCO and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister. M.D., SIDICO apprised the meeting that under s the scheme they have 3240 beneficiaries, of which 60% are male and 40% female. Most of the loanees have taken loans for business purposes and also for piggery, dairy and animal husbandry. It was also informed that SIDICO has already received funds of Rs. 22 crores from the Government for the above schemes since the year 2005 and Rs. 3 crores are yet to be received. SABBCO has recovered 50 per cent of the loan amount while SIDICO’s recovery is 35 per cent, it was informed in the meeting. 

The Chief Minister told both the public sector undertakings that schemes for the coming decade should be prepared to keep in view the airport which is coming up within 2 years and the double-lane National Highway from Siliguri to Nathula. He also asked both SIDICO and SABBCO to be very discerning while sanctioning loans, to simplify the procedures and include as many loanees as possible from the districts (outside Gangtok) and also to pay attention to the recovery of loans.

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