MLA Rameshwor for fair selection of beneficiaries
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 10 2022:
Planning and Development Authority chairman and Keirao MLA Lourembam Rameshwor has called for ensuring transparency in the selection process of beneficiaries for providing looms to weavers, and urged MLAs and ministers not to interfere in the selection process.
The Keirao MLA was attending as chief guest of the Imphal East and Jiribam Districts Day programme on the sixth day of the ongoing Manipur International Expo (MANITEX) at Nilakuthi Rural Haat on Thursday.
Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation Limited chairman and Lamlai MLA Kh Ibomcha presided over the programme which was also attended by Wangkhei MLA Th Arunkumar, Imphal East deputy commissioner (DC) Khumanthem Diana and BJP Manipur Pradesh president A Sharda Devi as guests of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Rameshwor stressed the need for maintaining transparency in the selection of beneficiaries and without any intervention from MLAs or ministers.
Transfer of officials over non-selection of some applicants is unfortunate and such acts should be avoided at all cost, he said.
Elaborating on the significance of handloom and handicraft sector in the socio-economic development of the state, the MLA encouraged the weavers and artisans of the state to continue their work in order to promote the products far and wide.
The government is showing its commitment towards promoting the handloom and handicraft products of the state by taking an official decision on using Leirum Lengyan (stole), and local handicraft products as official gifts for visiting VIPs, the MLA pointed out.
Rameshwor also highlighted the initiatives taken up by the government and CSOs to safeguard the indigenous population of the state from the influx and influence of non-locals.
However, women of the society are often the target of such elements in attempting to assimilate into the indigenous culture, he cautioned, while urging the women of the state to stay aware of this fact and adopt necessary precautions.
Buyers Sellers Meet and cultural programmes by troupes from the two districts were the other highlights of the programme on the sixth day of the expo.
Financial assistance provided to weavers under National Handloom Development Programme was also released through DBT during Thursday's event.