Port Blair, Jan. 19: The inaugural programme of Advanced Training Programme on Jute Fancy Bags of two weeks duration sponsored by National Jute Board (NJB), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Kolkata & organised by Jute Service Centre-Port Blair (JSC-PB) in collaboration with A & N Consultancy Centre (ANCON), Port Blair  was held at the premises of Panchayat Hall, Garacharma-I, Bhatu Basti on Thursday, January  19, 2012.

Smt. M. Bhanumathi, Pramukh, Prothrapur Panchyat Samiti, the Chief Guest of the occasion while appreciating the efforts of JSC-PB urged the youth & SHG members to participate enthusiastically & take full advantage of the programme. She also felt that all the ten Panchayats under Prothrapur Panchayat Samity should take up such programmes so that the rural women, unemployed youth & SHG members can derive full benefits.

Er. Johnson Abraham, JSC-PB in charge informed the audience about the details of the training programme and said that this is the second in the series of training programmes for this particular Panchayat & further informed that the successful candidates will be given further one week training in Design Dissemination to fine tune the skills acquired during the last two programs. Totally 25 ladies were selected to undergo the training programme & the raw material, sewing machines etc were provided by JSC-PB. During the course of training the trainees will be provided inputs so that they can bring out more new attractive designs while manufacturing jute bags. He also informed about a scheme operated by NJB in which eligible SHG groups can be provided grants in aid to get 2 nos. heavy duty sewing machines free of cost.

Shri R. P. Arumugam, Pradhan, Garacharma –I  called upon the trainees to participate in earnestness in the training programme & derive full benefits of the NJB scheme which will provide them with sewing machines free of cost to eligible SHGs. He also assured of all possible help from the Panchayat / PRI for the trainees.

Shri S. Velu, Member, Prothrapur Panchayat Samity urged the trainees to be regular for the training programme & take full advantage of training, scheme for supply of sewing machine under grant- in- aid to SHGs under the NJB programme  & marketing of products being provided by the Directorate of Industries & KVIB through their Govt. emporia’s.

Earlier while welcoming the gathering, Shri A. K. Bhattacharjee, Advisor, ANCON pointedly insisted on the trainees that quality & attractive design of the products being produced by them will give them a sustainable market especially with the hordes of tourists visiting the islands who would like to carry a memento of their visit as a symbol of these beautiful islands & price would not be a constraint if quality & design are attractive.

Vote of Thanks was proposed by Shri Saikat Chakraborty, Professional Associate, ANCON.