In a major push towards tribal welfare and livelihood enhancement, Anurag Bajpai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF) and Additional Chief Secretary (TCI; Transport), distributed machines and tools to six Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PM-JVM) and two Mini-Trifoods VDVKs under the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme.

The programme was held at the Autonomous District Council Hall in Senapati.

The six VDVKs—Rajaimei, N'Tazang, Harmony, Cosmos, Peony and Magnolia—along with the Shovorii-Labapui and Swess-Kans Mini-Trifoods VDVKs, received a range of equipment procured through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).

These included heavy mixer grinders, pulverisers, vacuum packing machines, dehydrators, automatic biomass charcoal briquette machines, industrial boilers, automatic filling machines, vertical pouch packing machines and labelling machines.

Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Anurag Bajpai emphasised that the growth of the economy is closely tied to improved mobility.

He highlighted that forest, agriculture and horticulture continue to be the primary supply sources of the State and called for their protection, noting that they form the basis of livelihood for all communities.

Bajpai suggested that jhum areas should be replanted with high-value industrial species to enhance income generation for tribal households.

He further stressed the importance of an efficient transport system, informing the gathering that the government is working to reduce logistics costs through subsidies under the RAMP Scheme. Efforts are also underway to bring down the cost of production to improve market competitiveness. He announced that logistics parking and a bus depot will soon be established in the district to boost mobility for vendors and small enterprises.

Bajpai also informed that the Industrial Estate at Katomai, Senapati, is currently under construction and is targeted for completion by March 31, 2026. Once operational, it will serve as a platform for VDVKs to scale up their activities and enter larger markets.

Speaking as Guest of Honour, Gaitholu Thaimei, Chief Conservator of Forests (T-II) and Nodal Officer, TRIFED, Government of Manipur, said the newly distributed equipment will significantly enhance year-round production activities for the VDVKs. She encouraged members to continue their ongoing work with renewed vigour.

In his presidential address, S Arun R.S., Conservator of Forests, Northern Circle, noted that the VDVK initiative began in 2018 under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

He said the procurement of advanced tools will aid local producers in expanding their collection and processing capabilities, enabling them to connect with markets outside the state.

He acknowledged the contributions and guidance of the PCCF & HoFF, ACS (TCI & Transport) and the CCF (T-II) in supporting tribal welfare initiatives.

The Maram tribe of Manipur, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), remains one of the state's least developed Scheduled Tribe communities.

The Government of India's PVTG-focused schemes aim to address the unique developmental challenges of such groups, ensuring targeted socio-economic upliftment. Around 200 members from Maram, Mao and Poumai tribes attended the programme.

The PM-JVM aims to promote livelihood opportunities through the utilisation and value addition of Minor Forest Produce (MFP), implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED.

Later in the evening, Anurag Bajpai inaugurated a new barrack at the Mao Range Office in Song Song Block under the Senapati Forest Division.

He subsequently chaired a review meeting with leaders and civil society organisations of the Mao community, along with forest officials and staff, at the newly inaugurated facility.