Minister Biswajit launches SAMARTH in state
Source: IT News

Imphal, October 17 2019: Textiles, Commerce and Industries Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh launched the Live Streaming and Training of SAMARTH, Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector today at the Manipur Trade & Expo Centre, Lamboi Khongnangkhong, Imphal.

Addressing the formal launching function, Biswajit said that Manipur is the first State to launch training under the scheme.

He said the State had signed an agreement on August 14, 2019 in the presence of Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani to take project SAMARTH and impart skill development to 25,000 youth in the State.

He said SAMARTH which is also known as the Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SCBTS) will provide demand driven placement oriented skills.

Minister Biswajit launches SAMARTH in state

He said the scheme aims to enable provision of sustainable livelihood either by wage or self employment to all sections of the society.

He continued that the scheme in the State targets to provide skill development trainings to 25000 youth in batches.

He said that if there are any possibilities the concerned authorities should focus in imparting the training in all the districts so as to encourage weavers of all districts.

Biswajit said that the State has witnessed an increase in the number of weavers and looms over the years.

Citing the Fourth All India Handloom Census 2019-20, the Minister said the number of weavers has increased to 2,12,481 weavers in 2019-20 from 2,04,319 weavers in 2009-10 and 2,11,148 looms in 2019-20 from 1,90,634 in 2009-10 .

He said that the increase in number of weavers only show the standing of handloom in our society.

Biswajit also observed that the handloom/textile sector is second to only agriculture as a source of livelihood.

Encouraging the youth, Biswajit said that no skilled labour or worker will remain idle.

He said if all workers become skilled.

Acknowledging the efforts and support of the weavers, Seeking support and cooperation of all, Biswajit said that the department cannot survive alone and needs cooperation and sharing of ideas with all.

Biswajit also explained various schemes and programmes including Mission for Economic Empowerment of Traditional Artisans & Craftsmen (MEETAC), Delivery Scheme among others.

He also talked about the upcoming MANITEX.

Director Lamlee Kamei delivered the welcome address.

The programme was also attended by MHHDC Ltd.

Chairman S.Rajen Singh as president, KVIB, Chairman L Radhakishore Singh, MANIDCO Ltd.

Chairman Dr Radheshyam Yumnam and Kshetrigao A/C MLA Nahakpam Indrajit as guests of honour.

Principal Secretary (Textiles, Commerce and Industries) P.Vaiphei attended as the chief host.

Meanwhile, as part of the programme Project Managers District Handlooms and Textiles, Manipur, WSC Imphal were honoured in recognition of their contribution in the field.