The member secretary of Central Silk Board, Rajit Ranjan Okhandiar, a 1987-batch IFS officer visited Sivasagar on Monday.
The deputy commissioner, Dr M S Lakshmi Priya extended a warm welcome to Okhandiar at her office chamber.
She welcomed him with the traditional ‘gamosa‘ and presented him a bamboo-made replica of the historical Rang Ghar.
While presenting the memento she briefed Okhandiar on the glorious Ahom era and also about the historical significance of Sivasagar.
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During the course of their discussion, the deputy commissioner apprised Okhandiar about ‘Soulful Sivasagar’, an initiative towards transformation of tourism scenario of the district.
She also mentioned about the different projects initiated under the umbrella of Soulful Sivasagar like – Morom (clothes and books collection drive), Kuhi (a token of love for the new-born girl child with a sapling), Lakshya (a career counselling initiative), Puhor (illuminating the streets of Sivasagar with solar street lights).
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They also discussed on various points like Kesaru plantation by the local farmers, rearing of silk cocoons for increasing productivity, export of local handloom products with a blend of global designs so that Sivasagar can create its own identity in the national as well as international silk market.
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He also mentioned about the ongoing schemes under CSB like – Silk Samagra and NERTPS.
Silk Samagra comprises R&D, training, export, brand promotion and technology upgradation in the field of sericulture in the country.
NERTPS or the North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme is an umbrella scheme to promote textile industry in the north-eastern region by providing infrastructure, capacity building and marketing support to the industry.
The deputy commissioner apprised Okhandiar that the administration in coordination with the Sericulture and Handloom department is planning to undertake a ‘silk park’ project in the district which will give a boost to the Eri and silk production in the district and enable sustainable job creation.
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Okhandiar stated that officials from Central Silk Board will be visiting Sivasagar soon and assist the administration in preparing a detailed project report for the proposed handloom park in the district.
He assured that Central Silk Board will support the district to excel in the field of silk production.