Minister calls for developing handloom sector in hills
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 09 2022:
Expressing concern that there will be no weaver or artisan in the hill districts of Manipur after the present elderly weavers/artisans pass away, transport minister Khashim Vashum has appealed to the younger generation, particularly the tribals, to learn production of handloom/handicraft items.
Minister Khashim stated this on the fifth day of MANITEX-2022 currently undergoing at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi, where Ukhrul and Kamjong Day was held on Wednesday.
Attending as chief guest of the event, the minister said that there is no dearth of enthusiastic and young weavers/artisans in the valley area of the state and they are producing handloom/ handicraft items on large scale.
However, younger generation in the hill districts of the state have no interest in learning production of handloom/handicraft items from the elderly weavers/artisans.
When these elderly weavers/artisans breathe their last, there will be no weavers/artisans in the hills, he lamented and appealed to younger generation to learn production of handloom/handicraft items while continuing their formal education.
Production of Handloom/handicraft items not only identifies a particular tribe or community but also helps in earning money, he said and appealed to the department concerned to look into the matter seriously and provide facility to tribal weavers/artisans under relevant government schemes.
According to Khashim Vashum, the present BJP government is working towards ensuring uniform development in both the hills and the valley but there will be no inclusive development when handloom sector progresses in the valley area only and it remains un-developed in the hill districts.
He also observed that the handloom sector in the hills would be developed when government provides sufficient subsidy to enthusiastic weav-ers/artisans of the hills.
Various weavers and artisans from Ukhrul and Kamjong districts showcased their items at the event wherein financial assistance to weavers under National Handloom Development Programme was also presented through DBT.