Mega awareness programme held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 30 2014 : A mega awareness programme on handloom schemes and Geographical Indication Act was organised today by the Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers' and Handicraft Artisans' Cooperative Society Ltd under the aegis of Directorate of Commerce and Industries at MFDC Auditorium, Palace Gate.

Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam and Director (Com & Ind), John B Tlangtinkhuma graced the programme as the chief guest and president respectively.

Jaya Dubey, Additional DC (Handloom), Ministry of Textiles, GoI; Chinnaraja G Naidu, Assistant Registrar, Trade Marks and GI; M Soren, GM and OIC NABARD, Imphal and Dheeraj Yumnam, former Director (Com & Ind) attended the programme as the guests of honour.

Chinnaraja G Naidu handed over the original registration certificate of Wangkhei phee, Moirang phee and Saphi phee which were earlier certified with Geographical Indication to Commerce and Industries Minister, K Govindas.

Guideline of the Ministry of Textiles and Handloom was also released during the programme.

Govindas Konthoujam said that the day was historic for the people of the State as three of its products were appended recognition by the Govt.The Minister also thanked the expert committee who played a big role for getting GI registration for the products.

Govindas exhorted all concerned to strive their best so that the products find takers in the global markets.

He further said that there is a need of 1000 weavers for Shaphee phee, 5000 weavers for Wangkhei phee and 1000 weavers for Moirang phee.

A committee would soon be constituted to look after any effort of imitating the products.

The State Govt and the Central Govt would provide assistance to weavers in their efforts to promote the products.

133 male weavers would be sent for training at West Bengal, he said.

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