Pranab inagurates Natnl Prog for Brass and Bell Metal Industry

Berhampore, Mar 30 (UNI) Union External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today inaugurated the National Programme for Technology Upgradation of Brass and Bell Metal Industries for Empowerment of the metal artisans at Khagra in Murshidabad district.

While addressing the press after the initial inaugural function, Mr Mukherjee said that this programme will come up with an investment of Rs three crore, which is being jointly funded by the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and the state government and will be set up in collaboration with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

''The industry is fast declining in the state and I hope that this training programme would put Khagra on the world map,'' Mr Mukherjee said and added, ''This three-year programme will help in revival and upgradation of metal artisans enterprises in Khagra and improve the quality of life and income of these poor artisans.'' In this programme, artisans will be trained by experts from UNIDO.

While UNIDO Regional Director, New Delhi, Philippe Scholies assured full support of his organisation towards the implementation of of the project, Mr Mukherjee expressed full confidence in the expertise and experience of UNIDO in enaling these metal artisans in meeting the emerging challenges and improving the economic condition of the local populace.

Others present at the function included Zilla Panchayat Sabhadipati Siddiqa Begum and MLAs Adheer Chowdhury, Manoj Chakroborty.

UNI XC LL AB 1745