Ensure Govt scheme benefits reach beneficiaries, Biswajit urges officials
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, October 04 2017: Underscoring the need to properly educate and mobilise the artisans in order to empower them so that they could increase their productivity, Textiles, Commerce and Industry Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh has urged Government officials to ensure that benefits of all the Government schemes reach the intended beneficiaries .

He was speaking at the inaugural function of a Combined Programme of 10 Handicrafts Cluster Projects (Technical Training Programme, Integrated Design Development Project and Design Development Workshop) held at Classic Hotel today .

Addressing the gathering, Biswajit asserted that handicraft and handloom sector helps in employment generation in the State but there are certain factors including lack of awareness, capital and exposure to new and modern technologies which are slowing the sector down .

He said that the main objective of the training is to achieve socio-economic empowerment of the artisans.

The artisans should be sincere in their work for the scheme to succeed, he added .

He also highlighted the need to educate the artisans of the various schemes of the Government for their welfare .

Stressing the need to create awareness on Government schemes among the public, he said that it is the responsibility of the Government and its officials to educate all artisans and intended beneficiaries about the schemes .

Officials of the Department should ensure that the artisans get the full benefits of the training, the Minister maintained .

Textiles, Commerce & Industry Principal Secretary P Vaiphei observed that Manipur has a very rich handloom and handicrafts tradition .

He said that there is a huge percentage of family/household involvement in handloom and handicraft sector, particularly in rural areas .

Our handloom is our identity.

It tells about who we are before we speak, he said .

He also said that when somebody visits our homes and villages, the handicrafts which are on display at our homes and villages tell a lot about our background, culture, history and tradition, which is extremely important .

Director Handlooms & Textiles, Manipur and Managing Director (Manipur Handlooms & Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd) K Lamlee Kamei announced a toll free helpline No.18002120403 of the Department through which anyone can make enquiries regarding Handloom and Handicrafts Delivery Scheme.

Today's inaugural function was also attended by Chairman MHHDC Ltd and Deputy Chairman, Manipur State Planning Board S Rajen Singh.

Comment