Gandhi Shilp Bazar begins
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 08 2013:
A 10-day long Gandhi Shilp Bazar, a fair for exhibition of handloom and handicraft products, has been inaugurated by Principal Secretary (Commerce & Industries) O Nabakishore Singh at Tiddim Ground today.
Noting that varied handloom and handicraft items of local artisans are being put on display and sale at 150 stalls, Nabakishore stated that the fair is being organised by Manipur apex Handloom Weavers and Handicrafts Artisans' Cooperative Society Limited, Paona bazar to encourage local artisans and create a market for their products.
Pointing out that most handloom and handicraft items are bought by tourists and strongly emphasising on the need to create tourist-friendly environment in the State, the Principal Secretary conveyed that Government of Manipur is planning to develop a permanent site at New Checkon area for holding similar fairs on a more frequent basis.
Further informing that Manipur ranks third in the country in terms of availability of looms, he also said that Ministry of Textiles is in the final stages of launching weavers' credit card policy to extend financial support to the weavers.
Ahead of the proposed policy, application of 30,000 weavers of the state has already been forwarded to the Ministry, said Nabakishore in his address as the chief guest.
Further noting that the Government had recently waived Rs 4 crore loan amount provided to weavers, he prevailed upon the weavers to cultivate loan-repayment habit in order to avail financial support from the Government for future endeavours.
Among others Assistant Director of Marketing & Service Extension Centre, Imphal T Rolle Vareishim, president of the fair organisers M Satyabhama Devi and Cooperative Societies, Manipur Registrar M Binodini Devi also attended the inauguration programme.
The fair is being organised under the sponsorship of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles.