Newmai News Network
Imphal | August 2
The Manipur government is making effort to promote handloom and handicraft products "to achieve growth" of the state.
This was stated by Manipur Textiles, Commerce & Industries minister Thongam Biswajit Singh on Friday. He was speaking on the occasion of 20th State Handloom Day celebration held at G.M hall, Imphal, organized by Handlooms promotion Council, Manipur.
The minister observed that handloom industry is the second source of income of Manipur. "There is a need for dynamic positive change to accelerate the development process in Manipur," he further stated. "Looms are owned in every household both in the valley and hills, as it is an intrinsic part of our rich social and cultural tradition," he further said, adding, "Promotion of handloom products requires active involvement of all the stakeholders including individuals residing in our State". The minister then assured to provide all possible help from Government in promoting handloom and handicraft products.
Biswajit then stated that, to facilitate the weavers, the Government had introduced handloom Delivery System with the aim to increase production and income of the weavers. He also informed that Central Government is ready to provide training to 10,000 weavers to enhance their skills. "The State Government is planning to enlist weavers residing in the State to access their value of contribution," he further said. He then advised the officials of Textiles, Commerce & Industries to carry out G.I. registration of indigenious products of our state at the earliest. The minister also informed that during the upcoming Manipur Textiles Expo, 2500 looms will be distributed free of cost to the weavers.
The celebration is aimed to highlight the contribution of the handloom industry in the socio-economic development of the State. As part of the celebration, 35 weavers across the state were feted for their enormous contribution in promoting handloom products across the country.
The Celebration were attended by Principal Secretary of Textiles, Commerce & Industries Paulunthang Vaiphei, President of Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers & Handicrafts Artisans Cooperative Society Ltd, K Indira Devi, officials of Textiles, Commerce & Industries, weavers among others.
