Help handed
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, September 03 2020:
Textiles, Commerce and Industry Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh, today distributed costs of handlooms and handicrafts products, Government procured from weavers and artisans during the lockdown period.
The formal function for distributing the costs for handloom and handicraft products was held at the conference hall of the Minister's New Secretariat Office.
Speaking at the function, Biswajit said that "handloom and handicraft is our alternative means of livelihood" .
As weavers and artisans were facing immense hardships during the lockdown, the Department had procured finished products to provide some relief to them.
The Department of Textiles, Commerce and Industry in association with the Manipur Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd, MHHDC had purchased the handloom and handicraft products during the lockdown period from March 23 to July 15 .
Around Rs 1.17 crore (approx) was utilised to procure the finished products from the weavers and artisans during the lockdown due to COVID-19 .
11 out of 70 artisans concerned from Imphal East district received money for their products procured by the department.
Weavers and artisans from all 16 districts will also receive the same benefits under this flagship programme.
Director of Handlooms & Textiles, K Lamlee Kamei said that the department under the initiative of the Minister had prepared a "buy-back policy" to support and help the artisans and weavers of the State during the lockdown period.
As the department was preparing the policy, it had also received instructions from the Central Ministry to implement a similar scheme, Lamlee said.
Joint Director of Handlooms & Textiles, Manipur E Jiten also attended the programme.
For registering grievances, weavers and artisans may contact dedicated toll free no 18005720906 .