Urban Haat expected to open by March 2018
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, December 19 2017: Commerce and Industry Minister Thongam Biswajit inspected the Urban Haat at Nilakuthi, Imphal East next to Food Park this evening.

He expressed dismay over seeing the condition of the project lying incomplete for 6 years .

Urban Haat is a scheme of Ministry of Textiles, Government of India and it aims to provide marketing access to weavers and artisans for showcasing their handloom and handicraft products for attracting the tourist in the state .

Urban Haat, once completed will be a permanent fair centre for crafts, food and cultural activities .

Addressing the media, Minister Th Biswajit stated that Urban Haat was sanctioned by the Government of India in 2011 with an estimate cost of Rs 5 crore to felicitate and for providing a market for handloom and handicraft product .

As per the sanction letter, Rs 210 lakh were Central share and remaining Rs 300 lakh to be borne by the implementing agency – MANID- CO (State Government undertakings) .

Due to unavailability of loan from Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), the project was unable to be completed.

He further maintained that with due consultation with Chief Minister, the State Government will take loan from RIDF and complete the Urban Haat by March 2018 with an aim to provide benefits for all .

It may be mentioned that the Centre will released another Rs.78 lakhs after sending completion of the project report .

Minister Th Biswajit also stated that more fund is needed for repairing connectivity of the Urban Haat with different parts of the state .

Urban Haat is being constructed by MANIDCO and it will be managed by the Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Cooperation Limited.

It is equipped with 30 stalls and will accommodate craftsmen from various districts of the state who will be allowed to participate in a roster basis for a period of 15 days each .

During the inspection, the minister was accompanied by the Director of Handloom and Handicraft Lamlee Kamei, Chairman of Manipur Hand-loom and Handicraft Deve- lopment Cooperation Limited, S Rajen and officials of MANIDCO.

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