For Bastar's all-round development, small processing units based on forest produce should be set up to mentally prepare the locals for big industries, social activist and Padma Shri Dharampal Saini said on Tuesday.
He was addressing a webinar as part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’ to mark the 75th year of independent India organized jointly by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Raipur, and Regional Public Relations Office (ROB), Raipur.
Saini said a forest produce based processing unit will ensure employment opportunities for local people and enhance their income.
Once they are economically able, they will understand the importance of industries and so will not oppose big industries, he said.
He said that at present cashew and tamarind processing units are functioning in Bastar, where people are getting employment. Many Self-Help Groups are also in the process of setting up a company.
Tribals are also now eager to bring changes in their standard of living and join the mainstream of society. This has been possible by developing roads and roadside villages as well as cities, Saini said.
Kailash Malhotra, General Manager, Bhilai Steel Plant, threw light on the works undertaken by the Bhilai Steel Plant under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).