GUWAHATI, Aug 29 - Considering the important role played by the tea industry in the economic growth and employment generation in the State, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today asked the Vice Chairman and other governing body members of State Innovation & Transformation Ayog (SITA) to focus more on rejuvenating the tea sector.
While chairing the first governing body meeting of SITA at the CM�s conference room at Janata Bhawan today, Sonowal said that Assam tea is facing serious challenges in the international market and its demand has significantly gone down in recent times. �The tea industry demands urgent and timely intervention for regaining its share in the international market. SITA should come up with novel ideas to revamp the industry and move forward involving all stakeholders,� he opined.
The Chief Minister also urged the SITA members to take steps for engaging the expertise of the Union Finance and Industry & Commerce ministries in its effort to give a renewed momentum to the tea sector in Assam. He also advised the Ayog to organise a seminar involving tea experts, leading tea planters, Assam Tea Corporation, etc., so that new and effective strategies could be chalked out.
Sonowal also stated that SITA must take some concrete measures for giving a boost to the State�s growth trajectory so that the new generation develops a positive perspective about Assam. Keeping this in mind, the Chief Minister asked the governing body members to work out strategy for revamping the APOL industry, which has stopped production for the past several years.
Stating that there are several knowledgeable, experienced and resourceful persons in Assam who can be immensely beneficial in formulating strategies for preparing a roadmap for the State�s transformation, the Chief Minister also suggested to the SITA members to take needful action in this regard. Sonowal also underlined the need for a permanent office for SITA to smoothly carry forward its activities.
