Opposition raised the motion for disapproval of policy cut in the demand of Textile, Commerce and Industry on account of ‘need to set up new industries of various trades’, ‘ lack of initiatives for effective implementation of the India-Myanmar border Trade Agreement’.

Clarifying the policy cut, Nemcha informed that the state has six industrial estates at present, and the Central government has approved to set up two more in Imphal East and Senapati district. The government is also planning to set up more industrial estates in the remaining districts of Manipur, she added.

Supplementing the policy cut motion, opposition MLA K Meghachandra informed the House that the many betel nuts are being illegally imported from Myanmar. Although no locals in the state are able to take up the business of betel nuts, it has high demand in mainland India not only for consumption but also for dying of fabrics, he said.  

If the state government takes up some initiatives to allow the trading of betel nuts, then the economy of the state can be easily increased, he added.

Seeking information from the minister concerned, Meghachandra inquired through the Speaker, whether the government is taking up steps to increase the economy of the state in connection with the Indo-Myanmar Border Trade agreement.

Responding to the policy cut, Nemcha informed the House that the Indo-Myanmar trade agreement was signed on January 21, 1994 and made operational on April 12, 1995. During the initial period, 22 items were allowed for trade and 18 more items were later added. On December 1, 2015, a total of 62 items were allowed for trade under the said agreement, she said.

The India-Myanmar trade has been temporarily suspended since pandemic and political instability in Myanmar; however, the Central government is taking up various initiatives to increase the economy after the reopening of the trade, she added.