Biren opens MANITEX, distributes financial aid
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, November 05 2022:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh today inaugurated MANITEX, Manipur International Textile Expo at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi.
The expo which will continue till November 14 is being organized by the Directorate of Handlooms & Textiles.
The Chief Minister also launched Mega Handloom Cluster of Imphal East, laid foundation of Craft Hand-loom Village, Moirang and distributed financial assistance to weavers with Aadhaar linked bank accounts through DBT under the National Handloom Development Programme.
Speaking as the chief guest of the inaugural function, the Chief Minister said that the financial assistance will be distributed through DBT to around 15,450 handloom weavers and boatmen with a total outlay of around Rs 23.4815 crore.
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Today, beneficiaries of different schemes received funds directly in their accounts, the Chief Minister said, highlighting that funds are transferred directly to farmers, weavers, old age pensioners, scheme beneficiaries etc under different schemes.
N Biren also acknowledged womenfolk's contri- bution in the State's economy.
"Our people have the potential, talents and specially womenfolk are courageous and brave", he said, further highlighting the respect and popularity the Ima Keithel has garnered in National and international platforms.
Considering that some businessmen are trying to monopolize the yarn business, the Government has decided to establish a wholesaler of yarn at Ima Keithel so that weavers can get them at cheaper price, he continued.
N Biren maintained that shops and business have been instructed to not replace handmade traditional clothes like khudei, phanek, enaphi with machine made products sourced from other States at a cheaper rate.
The Chief Minister went on to highlight the developmental changes witnessed in the State, saying that instances of unrest have become a thing of the past.
There is peace and a feeling of oneness among the people of the State today, the Chief Minister stated and appealed to all legislators to be sincere and carry out their duties transparently.
N Biren maintained that the Sangai Festival will be held at different venues.
People can visit these venues freely after November 15, he added.
The Chief Minister also reiterated the commitment of the Government to provide tap water to all households in the State soon.
Power, Forest, Environment & Agriculture Minister Th Biswajit Singh said that MANITEX was upgraded to International Textile Expo from being a National and regional level expo in 2018 to promote the weavers.
According to the 2019-20 National Handloom Census report, the State had 2.12 lakh handloom weavers, 2.11 lakh looms and 2 lakh handicraft artisans, the Minister maintained.
Textiles, Commerce & Industry Minister Nemcha Kipgen said that the objective of hosting MANITEX is to showcase the State's handlooms, handicrafts, dyeing & printing, power-loom, garment, embroidery and costume to the world.
A fashion parade will also be organised as a part of the expo, she said and added that 274 stalls are being set up by local weavers, artisans, entrepreneurs, local private companies, National level organizations and people from Thailand, Bangladesh and Myanmar this year.
The inaugural function was also attended by CAF & PD Minister L Susindro Meitei, Transport Minister Khashim Vashum, Manipur Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd Chairman Kh Ibomcha, Khundrakpam AC MLA Th Lokeshwar Singh, Moirang AC MLA Thongam Shanti Singh and Kshetrigao AC MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan, among others.