High time to promote local handloom items: Ibomcha
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 04 2022:
As almost all the items in the Chief Minister's office have been replaced by handloom and handicraft products time has come to do the same for all government departments and school uniforms, said Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited chairman Kh Ibomcha.
A two-week State Handloom Expo organised by Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited commenced from Sunday at GM Hall, here.
The inaugural function was attended by Corporation chairman Kh Ibomcha as chief guest and general manager (administration) Th Basanta as president, while national awardee (Handloom) K Med-ha and state awardee (handloom) H Sunita were present as guests of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Kh Ibomcha lauded CM Biren for replacing almost all the items in his (CM) office by handloom and handicraft products, called it as a step in the right direction.
He then stressed the need for doing the same in all government departments, offices of ministers and for school uniforms, part of which already have been taken up.
This will not only help develop the handloom and handicraft sector of the state but also benefit the weavers, thereby helping to improve the econ omy of the state and allowing it to become self-sustainable.
If departments were to work together with regard to handloom, a large market for the weavers could be realised and further prevent the state from losing revenue, he remarked.
Ibomcha then said that weavers should not be ashamed of their talent, adding that for a woman to be involved in weaving is the most dignifying feature of the state.
The products of the state, when showcased in national and international expos, are in great demand, especially abroad, particularly in USA, Russia and Dubai The chairman continued that the Urban Haat at Nilakuthi is often the preferred location for organising expos.
However, many consider the venue to be located far away.
Nonetheless, the Corporation is planning to set up playgrounds and other attractions in the area to attract tourists.
In addition, the Corporation's office at Paona Bazar is an important location, adding that there is a plan to develop the office into a multi storey building, he conveyed.
Ibomcha also stated that the CM has taken up many welfare projects meant for the weavers including agreeing to grant 30 percent subsidy on threads while further discussion the possibility of increasing the subsidy to 50 percent.