CM visits startup hub, assures entrepreneurs of govt support

Bettiah: Entrepreneurs in the Chanpatia startup hub of West Champaran found a ray of hope when CM Nitish Kumar met with them and assured steps to promote industry on Friday.Entrepreneurs face several challenges, including lack of infrastructure, delays in financial assistance, and weak market linkages, leaving many struggling to prevent migration and retain jobs.During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, a startup zone was established in Chanpatia, approximately 235km northwest of Patna, to harness the skills of migrant workers, provide manufacturing facilities, and utilise their talents. Fifty-seven manufacturing units were set up, employing around 7,000 people, including local youth.Anand Kumar, secretary of the Chanpatia Start-Up Zone Society, said, “Entrepreneurs here primarily face challenges such as lack of infrastructure – electricity, raw materials, transportation – delayed financial assistance, and market linkages, pushing many units to the brink of closure.

The unavailability of raw materials and expensive transportation further increase costs. The biggest problem is land transfer.

Due to the lack of land transfer, entrepreneurs are facing difficulties obtaining bank loans and other financial assistance. Banks are unable to provide funds due to missing land documents, impacting expansion and operations.”Firoz, who runs a unit manufacturing dupattas, stoles, scarves, leggings, other garments, and mosquito nets, said, “We have complained to senior district officials several times about the lack of basic amenities.

Many entrepreneurs even staged a sit-in in Patna. On Friday, during the Samriddhi Yatra, the Chief Minister inspected our stall and assured us of promoting our industry. He also inspected the Special Economic Zone being built on 125 acres of land.

This SEZ is being seen as a symbol of the industrial revolution. Therefore, we have hope that the Chief Minister is serious about job creation and that our basic problems will be resolved.”DM Taranjot Singh said that he inspected the Chanpatia startup hub in Dec. “The talents of the entrepreneurs here will not be allowed to go to waste. The entrepreneurs had described the problems they faced. The government is very serious about promoting employment. Soon, the problems hindering the success of the startup zone will be addressed, and more entrepreneurs will be encouraged,” he said.