IMPHAL, September 22: “Weavers of the state have produced several doctors, social thinkers, engineers and many more successful individuals”, said Commerce and Industries Minister, K Govindas during the inaugural program of a two-day Handloom Exhibition held at MFDC Audotorium, Palace Gate today.
Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Govindas lauded the weavers for their role in educating their children.
Citing himself as a son of a weaver, Govindas lauded the weavers for their role in educating their children.
He further stressed that if the weavers cultivate a work culture in the state, than handloom could contribute a lot to the state economy.
Stating that the government has been taking the industry seriously, he said, it has sanctioned 66 clusters for further development of handloom in Manipur.
He said handloom products of the state are sold not only in the state but it is exported outside the country also. Handloom products of the state are in high demands outside the country, he continued.
“We are proud to acknowledge that our handloom products being exported to Israel”, said the Minister.
Today’s buyer-seller cum exhibition is the third such exhibition held in the state, sponsored by the department of Commerce and Industries, government of Manipur and the Ministry of Textiles, government of India.
Former Director of Commerce and Industries, Dhiraj Yumnam also spoke on the importance of weaving industry in Manipur. Maximum employment among women is provided by handloom, he stressed.
He also deliberated that it is time that the centre consider a concrete handloom policy which is still missing in the country. Weaving is one of the most important and dignified profession, he continued.
However cautioning that the industry can still be a failure without a proper plan, the former Director asked the weavers to rely on datas that are made available by the government.
Director of Sericulture, Ginjamang Simte stated that there are a number of schemes to improve loom which can be availed from the department.
Today’s function was also attended by Principal Secretary, O Nabakishore Singh, IAS and Director of commerce and industry, V Tualthang as president and guest of honour of the function. They also spoke on the importance and prospects of the industry in Manipur.
Altogether sixtyfour (64) stalls are participating the Handloom exhibition.