Govindas opens handloom directorate
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 30 2016:
Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam today opened a separate Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles under Textiles, Commerce and Industries Department.
Speaking at the occasion, Govindas stated that handloom and handicrafts is one sector which is closely associated with the culture, traditions and civilisation of Manipur apart from being a key economic sector.
It is essential to highlight the handloom and handicraft products of the State at the international level.
It was in view of this necessity that a separate directorate was opened at the advice of Chief Minister O Ibobi, he said.
Opening of a separate directorate would definitely bring some positive changes in the particular sector, Govindas exuded confidence.
The Handlooms and Handicrafts Policy 2016 has been already framed.
The policy aimed at selling 50 per cent of the State's handloom and handicraft products to Government departments and 20 per cent to private buyers, he informed the gathering.
He then appealed to all weavers of the State to focus on producing quality products.
Govindas also appealed to artisans to concentrate on producing handicraft products which can be marketed profitably in addition to showcasing them in different exhibitions.
The State Government would provide all possible assistance in their endeavours towards this end.
The Commerce and Industries Minister also inaugurated a handicraft museum in addition to launching handicrafts cluster projects.
He further released the Handloom and Handicrafts Policy 2016.Later, he gave away the Handloom and Handicraft State Award to six outstanding handloom and handicraft persons.
Incentives were also distributed to one State level handicraft cluster project and nine district level handicraft cluster projects.
Merit awards were also given 10 other handloom and handicraft persons and inspiration award to 10 others.
Textiles, Commerce and Industries Principal Secretary L Lakher and Commerce and Industries former Director Dhiraj Yumnam were also seated on the dais as guests of honour.