Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Aug 24: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh has called for indigenous “StartUp” initiatives.
In his address after inaugurating the 3-day “StartUp Expo 2017” at Pragati Maidan here, Dr Jitendra Singh said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Start-up” initiative has the capacity to open new avenues of employability but at the same time, one can also serve the rich cultural and traditional heritage of India if we focus on “StartUp” ventures through indigenous resources and means.
Citing example, Dr Jitendra Singh said, for instance, the pieces of artisan excellence prepared by some of the creators from Moradabad which are on display in the exhibition stall, were completed after several months of labour but could fetch very little on sale because of lack of value addition and partly lack of awareness. Other aspect of concern is that such streams of art were being kept alive by certain “Gharanas” or “Khandans” but with the next generation youth opting for hi-tech professions, there is nobody to carry forward this original indigenous vocation, he lamented.
Dr Jitendra Singh stated that just as in Northeast, the Ministry of DoNER headed by him has taken the initiative of offering “Venture Capital Fund” to any young “StartUp” who wishes to set up a unit in one of the North-Eastern States, similarly the respective State Governments could also come forward with certain specific and exclusive incentives for youngsters who undertake “StartUp” initiatives in the field or discipline which traditionally identifies with the culture and heritage of that particular State.
Dr Jitendra Singh also suggested that instead of offering usual mementos to VIPs and foreign dignitaries during the government functions, was it possible to present them with pieces of traditional art which could enhance value and price potential of these articles.
Uttar Pradesh Industry Minister Satish Mahana and Chairman MMTC (Mineral & Metal Trade Corporation) Rajnish Goenka, among others, also spoke on the occasion.
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