GUWAHATI: A total of seven self help groups (SHG's) with 10 members each where all members are women were handed over the sanction letters by the chairman of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Vinay Kumar Saxena on Wednesday to set up 'raw Agarbatti making units' under the 'Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme' (PMEGP).
The project is financed by Assam Gramin Vikash Bank, Chandmari Branch, Guwahati. The total project cost Rs 5 lakh unit totalling to Rs 35 lacs.
"Assam is first in the country to have seven SHG's getting the opportunity to set up agarbatti industries," said Vinay Saxena, adding, "Development is replacing Insurgency in Assam". Saxena says for the success of 'PMEGP' we must ensure the proper utilisation of government funds and make sure there is no misuse of subsidy. Notably, according to 'KVIC' there is a requirement of 1670 tonnes/ day of Agarbatti in the country but we are only producing 724 tonnes/ day. As a result 82% of Agarbatti are imported from China and Taiwan."The KVIC schemes will contribute hugely to the economy. Many more schemes are on the cards for Assam," said Saxena, adding, "Though there are a few challenges in marketing, Assam will soon be in a position to export agarbatti."
Notably, the KVIC has been consistently making its endeavour to promote khadi and rural industries in the North East Region as a part of the Government of India's initiatives.
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