ITANAGAR, May 6 - In order to discuss the economic hardships faced by small traders and entrepreneurs following the nationwide lockdown since March 25 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein today held a meeting with members of State�s apex trade body, Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), and senior officers of the Departments of Finance, Planning and Investment and Agriculture at his Secretariat office here.
The Deputy Chief Minister stressed: �Amid the pandemic, we have to carry out our day-to-day activities like office work, agriculture and industrial works, etc., in order to thrive. However, we must do it with certain restrictions while maintaining social distancing and by adhering to other government norms and guidelines in order to contain the further spread of the disease.�
Admitting that small traders and entrepreneurs have been hit hard during the prolonged lockdown period, Mein urged officers to bring in economic reforms by optimum utilisation of technology and through innovative ideas.
While giving emphasis on agriculture and allied activities to make the State self-sufficient in food and vegetables, the Deputy Chief Minister called for optimum utilisation of the vast land resources of the State.
He also made a case for reviving the Arunachal Pradesh Marketing Corporation to market farm produce and regulate the flow of fruits and vegetables from the districts into the State capital region.
During the meeting, a committee was formed under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary (Finance) to find out a feasible policy to tide over the existing situation in conformity with the Central Government�s directives, if any.
ACCI secretary general Toko Tatung, while submitting a proposal to the State Government for COVID-19 working capital gap funding for business enterprise as relief, said that this sector provides maximum employment to the unemployed youths of the State, and sought government support.
Principal Secretary (Finance) AC Verma, Commissioner (Planning and Investment) PS Lokhande, Finance Secretary YW Ringu, Planning and Investment Secretary Himanshu Gupta, Agriculture Secretary Bidol Tayeng and Director Anong Lego, Lead Bank Manager S Ranjit Singh and ACCI president Tarh Nachung attended the meeting.
