Union MoS RK Ranjan on Tuesday mooted reintroduction of ethnic food products of Manipur in a vibrant manner to give a new experience to the consumers, especially to the younger generation and tourists to make the product familiar.
Ranjan was delivering his speech during the SAVNidgi Mahotsav (celebration of Atma Nirbhar street vendors) at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen in Imphal East. It was organised by the Manipur Urban Development Agency (MUDA).
Stating that terminology of many indigenous food products such as ‘Hentak’ are on the verge of extinction as the food item is rarely known to the younger generation, he stressed the need to reintroduce those food items in the form of mela or fair to make those products familiar to the youths.
Coming to SVANidhi, the MoS explained that the programme was launched in 2020 to provide financial assistance through loans with zero interest to street vendors who were reeling for livelihood during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The SVANidhi Mahotsav has been organised in 75 cities across the country to honour the street-vendors and facilitate them with easy loans, digital training and promoting their products by giving them a platform, he added.
As many as over 30 lakhs vendors have benefited from this scheme, he said, adding it is a step to move towards development with self-sustainability.
Concerning the various sufferings and issues faced by women street vendors in Imphal city area, Ranjan also drew the attention of MAHUD Minister Y Khemchand to devise a solution to end the sufferings of those vendors.
During the programme, few of the street vendors also narrated their success story by maintaining good credit discipline and taking up digital transactions.
As many as 100 stalls of street vendors selling handloom products and food items were also showcased at the complex of the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen.
The function was also attended by MAHUD minister Y Khemchand and MAHUD commissioner M Joy among others.
