August 1, 2014
Focus on self-employment: WB CM inaugurates 48 Karma Tirtha marketing hubs
Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee today formally launched 48 'Karma Tirtha' hubs across thestate that will be a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs to market their productsdirectly to the consumers in rural areas.
A total of 229 such hubs have beensanctioned and 48 of them were flagged off by the CM today at BeliatorSchool Ground in Bankura. The government plans to set up at least one 'Karma Tirtha' in every Block of the state.
Creatingjob and self-employment opportunities have always been a priority for theTrinamool government. During last 3 years, lakhs of jobs have been created andpeople of the State have got employment as engineers, doctors, officers, teachers,nurses, technicians, assistants and in many other sectors.
West Bengal has tremendous scope in ruralbusinesses, given the abundance of natural resources and the availability of askilled workforce. To strike a synergy between the two and move towardssuccessful and sustainable entrepreneurship, the Government launched the uniquebusiness hub 'Karma Tirtha'. It willbe a one-stop shop where entrepreneurs will market their products directly tobuyers.
The government is providing all support to set upthe infrastructure, provide training, finance and create market linkages withprospective buyers, so that doing business in Bengal for the youth will receivea new thrust and a new dimension.
Individuals, self-help groups, co-operativeenterprises, particularly women, artisans, weavers, minority community and SC,ST, OBC youth entrepreneurs availing self-employment schemes of the governmentwill benefit significantly under this scheme.
Thegovernment has been giving much stress on developing the micro, small andmedium scale industries in the state to create more job opportunities forentrepreneurs, particularly women. Already 152 new MSME clusters have been setup across the state where entrepreneurs and women self-help groups are beingbenefitted by setting up business on their own.
The 'Karma Tirtha' hubs will further help entrepreneurs in the ruralareas of the state to come in contact with consumers directly. The governmenthas already set up a few outlets to promote the Biswa Bangla Brand with its handicrafts, handlooms and otherproducts.
