Outstanding craftspersons honoured with State Award
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 18 2018:
Along with presenting State Award to several outstanding craftspersons, Department of Textiles, Commerce and Industry inaugurated handicrafts technical training programmes for Scheduled Caste artisans at Hotel Imphal today.
The function was graced by Chairman of Manipur Handlooms & Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd S Raj en who is also the Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board as chief guest; Chairman of MANIDCO and MANITRON Dr Radheshyam Yumnam as president; Principal Secretary (Textiles, Commerce & Industry) P Vaiphei; Director (Handlooms & Textiles) K Lamlee Kamei and Assistant Director, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles M Sanjeevkumar as guests of honour.
Delivering key note address at the occasion, Lamlee Kamei who is also the Managing Director of Manipur Handlooms & Handicrafts Development Corporation informed that there are around 2.50 lakh handicraft artisans in the State, who are working in 1 lakh craft units approximately.
He said that Manipur recorded the highest number of artisans in handicraft industries in the North East.
He , maintained that the traditional = handicraft industry of the State which is based on labour intensive is quite popular in the country for having unique features.
He said that the Department is giving emphasis on the handicraft products of the State as they are eco-friendly, exportable and attractive to the eyes of tourists.
He said that the State Government has been presenting State Award since 1979 besides giving inspiration prize yearly to encourage the artisans.
So far State Awards have been presented to 250 craftspersons.
A total of 20 artisans of the State have received National Awards while 15 artisans have got National Merit Awards, he elaborated.
He also said that artisans aged between 60-85 years have the facility of getting a monthly pension of Rs 3500 under Guru Shishya Parampara scheme of the Central Government.
He said that the training programmes to be held in 16 areas mostly inhabited by SC people for four months will cover 320 artisans belonging to Scheduled Caste.
The training programmes are conducted by MHHDC Ltd under the sponsorship of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles with an aim to make SC artisans adopt the modern technique and technology to enhance production of their products fit in the contemporary market.
Altogether eight craftspersons were honoured with the State Award.
They are Gurumayum Shyamsunder (wood carving) from Thangapat Mapal, Thounaojam Nodiachand (doll & toys) from Wangjing Sorokhaibam Leikai, Akhom Yandibala (kouna craft) from Sagolband Mabudhou Mantri Leikai, Mayanglambam Sumati (doll & toys) from Haobam Marak Keisham Leikai, Aheibam Heramani (brass & bell metal craft) from Heirangoithong Aheibam Leikai, Khundrakpam Sandhyarani (artistic textile) from Ningomthongjao, Leitanthem Lili (hand embroidery) from Kongba Kshetri Leikai and Leitanthem Khomdoubi (jewellery) from Keishampat Keishampat Keisham Leikai.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs 50000, shawl and a citation.
On the occasion, 14 craftspersons were presented Merit Award while 22 craftspersons were given inspiration prizes.
The Merit Award consists of Rs 20000 cash prize and a citation while the Inspiration Prize carries a cash prize of Rs 10000 and a citation.
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