NE NEWS SERVICE
TEZPUR (ASSAM), SEPT 4
To rehabilitate the former insurgents in Assam, the Indian Army in coordination with Aseem Foundation, a Pune based NGO has launched “Manufacture of Tamul Plates”. This project is being operationalised at Borrangajuli Village in Tamulpur district in that state, says a Defence release.
This project is expected to facilitate constructive mainstreaming of more ex-cadres and help contribute towards “Surakshito, Vikashito, Sarbashrestha”.
According to Lt Col Harsh Wardhan Pande, PRO, Tezpur, MoD, “This is a pilot project, and few ex cadres are being engaged in making the bio-degradable, environment-friendly, cost-effective Tamul plates. These plates can be used in catering services for large gatherings, offices and institutes, etc.”
Aseem Foundation is planning to market the product in Maharashtra and Assam thereby generating more sales and resultant earning thereby improving the financial conditions of employees.
This venture has transformed the life of D Sagar and Roshan Chhetry as now they have realised their inner potential and have contributed financially towards their personnel needs.
The raw material for the plates is collected from farms located in remote villages and the finished product is supplied to establishments and institutions as far forward as possible. The success of the pilot project can be gauged from the response of the locals who have requested to replicate the project in many more areas. The ex insurgent’s families are happy since it would offer them an opportunity for dignified earning. The villagers are also excited since the Tamul leaves and barks which were earlier being thrown as waste are being commercially sold. The local youth are being engaged for collection and stocking of raw material.
The success of this project will stimulate mushrooming of more such ventures leading to Engagement – Empowerment – Employment of the youth of Assam.