Outstanding crafts-persons felicitated
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 04 2011: Outstanding craftspersons and artisans of the State were given awards and subsidies under the schemes Modernisation of Handicrafts, Development of Kouna Products and Assistance to Individual Artisans today at a programme organised by the Commerce and Industries Director at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound.

The programme was attended by Commerce and Industries Minister Y Erabot, Commerce and Industries Director V Tualthang and senior design consultant Sukumar Haobam as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Giving key-note address, Officer-in-charge (Handicrafts) S Birendra said that around four lakh artisans have been engaged in more than one lakh craft units in Manipur.

S Birendra said that Manipur has the highest number of artisans engaged in handicrafts industries in the entire North East region.

Birendra noted that the rich culture and creativity of the Manipuri people are reflected in the handicraft products of the State which are famous all over the world.

S Birendra maintained that large and medium industries are not suitable to Manipur due to its topography.

Since 1979-80, Commerce and Industries Department, Government of Manipur has been giving State Awards to Outstanding Craftspersons as well as State Merit and Inspiration Awards to Craftspersons every year, Birendra said.

Till date, 188 outstanding craftspersons have won State awards, 17 craftspersons have won National awards while 13 craftspersons have been honoured with National Merit Awards.

Those craftspersons who have won State awards are eligible for the Guru Sishya Parampara Scheme instituted by the office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Government of India.

He went on to say that Commerce and Industries Department has been arranging market outlets for crafts persons, in addition to arranging for their participation in IITF, NE trade Fair, Crafts bazaar and other fairs and melas held within the country and abroad.

Altogether ten artisans were conferred with State Awards for 2009-10 which carries Rs 10,000 in cash and a certificate.

Another 11 artisans were conferred with the merit award which carries Rs 4000 in cash and certificate.

Further, 16 artisans were honoured with the Inspiration Awards and they got Rs 1500 and a certificate each.

For 2010-11, State award was given to 10 artisans with increased cash component of Rs 15,000 .

For the same year, merit award was given to 12 artisans carrying cash component of Rs 5000 each.

The Inspiration award was conferred to 16 artisans and they got Rs 2500 and a certificate each.

Speaking at the function, Minister Y Erabot said that crafts markets can be developed only with the help of craftspersons.

He also highlighted the need to modernise traditional handicrafts products of the State so that these products can be exported to foreign countries.

Erabot also noted the importance of smooth coordination between the Department of Horticulture and Commerce and Industries Department.

V Tualthang said that handicrafts products of the State are in high demand in different States and foreign countries.

But the problem is, craftspersons of the State are unable to supply their products to the demanded quantity.

He also emphasised on the need to employ modern technology instead of the traditional ones so as to improve handicraft products of the State.

Comment