Govindas exhorts male weavers
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 18 2014 :
Highlighting that Manipur ranks third in the country in the hand-woven handloom sector inspite of the fact that only women weavers are actively involved in the profession, Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam opined that if male weavers too join the trade Manipur's profile in the sector will rise to the top.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration programme of a two-month 'Jacquard Weaving' training programme for male weavers at Weavers' Service Centre near DC office, Porompat today Minister Govindas said the handloom sector has been witnessing encouraging development in the North East region.
Noting that the sector in the region has been dominating by the women weavers as involvement of male in the trade normally ends when boys attain adulthood compared to the male weavers in other parts of the country associated with the trade for life, he opined that if Manipuri men join the trade then the State will eventually top the ranking in the hand-weaving handloom sector.
Describing the training programme as unique and first of its kind in the State on account of the same being exclusively for male weavers, Govindas emphasised on increasing productivity through strict adherence to quality control to attract domestic as well as foreign purchasers for the handloom merchandise.
In all 137 male weavers are taking part in the training programme organised by Weavers' Service Centre, Imphal under the sponsorship of Commerce and Industries Department.
While Commerce and Industries Commissioner L Lakher was the functional president, Director (Comm.
& Ind) B John Tlangtinkhuma and Additional Director (Comm & Ind) V Tualthang graced the inaugural function as the guests of honour.