Manipuri women hailed for developing handloom sector
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 12 2022:
Unlike in other states where the weavers are of mixed gender, the entire workforce in Manipur is generally composed of women and they are also the ones who mostly use the handloom products, said RD&PR minister Yumnam Khemchand, while hailing the contribution of Manipuri women in promoting the handloom sector.
Churachandpur and Pherzawl Districts day was held on Saturday, the eighth day of the ongoing Manipur International Expo (MANITEX) being organised by the directorate of handloom and textiles at Urban Halt, Nilakuthi.
Weavers and artisans from the two districts also participated in the event.
Minister Khemchand and Thanlon MLA & advisor to CM Vungzagin Valte attended the event as chief guest and president respectively while Churachandpur MLA LM Khaute, additional chief secretary P Vaipei and handloom & textiles director Lamlee Kamei were guests of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Khemchand pointed out that handloom sector is contributing significantly in the economy of the state.
Apart from the products and design, another unique feature of the handloom sector of the state is that the entire workforce is made up of women.
In the state, women in almost every household, at least in the rural area, are engaged in handloom sector, supporting their families and sponsoring the education of their children, the minister said.
He also recalled how his mother used to work day and night to run his family by weaving.
MLA LM Khaute called MANITEX as an incredible platform for the weavers and artisans of the state to showcase their skills and products.
Encouraging the weavers and artisans to take maximum benefits of the international expo and the different government schemes as well, he also called for promoting the indigenous culture and tradition.