Applications for GI tag forwarded
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 27 2015:
Applications have been sent to the relevant Ministries for Geographical Indication (GI) registration of the unique indigenous handloom fabrics/ products of Manipur viz; Moirang Phi, Saphi-Lanphi and Wangkhei Phi, stated Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam.
The Minister said this while speaking as chief guest at the opening session of buyer-seller meet between handloom clusters and entrepreneurs at Ningthoukhong Kha Mamang Leikai Indoor Stadium.
Due applications have been sent for GI registration of Moirang Phi, Wangkhei Phi and Saphi-Lanphi.
Efforts are also on to obtain GI tags for phanek mapan naiba, potloi, khamen chatpa and kouna products of the State.
These processes were initiated at the suggestion of Chief Minister O lbobi.
Many indigenous handloom products of Manipur which are unique in terms of their fabric, exquisite motifs and intricate designs are being copied and produced outside the State, said Govindas who is also holding the portfolio of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry.
To monitor the activities and achievements of the Handloom Cluster Project which was launched under the Ministry of Textiles since 2007-08.Geographical Indication System (GIS) would be employed.
The same system would also be applied to sericulture.
GIS would be- employed after providing tablets or smart phones to handloom clusters.
The new initiative would be assisted by MANITRON and NIC.
Training of handloom clusters On using this electronic gadgets would also be done by the two agencies.
Quoting Education Minister M Okendro, Govindas announced that the State Government would soon issue an order to the effect that students of all Government schools as well as private schools to adhere to pre-scribed uniforms made of locally hand-woven clothes.
Moreover, the Government is considering about replacing all furnishings of Government offices by handloom products.
All the 56 handloom clusters submitted in the last financial year were approved by the Ministry and Manipur was the State which had the maximum number of handloom clusters approved.
For the current financial year, the State Government is preparing to recommend 59 handloom clusters.
It is only natural''that handloom clusters which have been performing well would get further loans while those which fail to deliver get black listed.
Similar buyer-seller meet between handloom clusters and entrepreneurs are being organised at cluster level, district level and State level, Govindas said.
He also underscored the importance of promoting handloom industry for economic well being of Manipur.
Today's buyer-seller meet was participated by 24 handloom clusters and a number of entreprem curs.
It is reported that similar buyer-seller meet would be organised in each and every district of Manipur, Nambol AC MLA Nameirakpam Loken Kumbi A C MLA Sanasam Bira and Commerce & Industries Director B John Tlang Tinkhuma were also present at the meet.