Najma pitches
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, September 01 2018: Governor Dr Najma Heptulla has stated that there is a need for the Government to put in extra efforts to revive and promote the dying crafts of the State.

She was speaking as the chief guest at the official launch of Mission for Economic Empowerment of Traditional Artisans and Craftsmen (MEETAC) at Hotel Imphal today.

The Governor said that though the State's population is hardly 28 lakh, artisans and craftsmen concentration is high in the State.

As such, the Government should not only provide support to the craftsmen but also create market for them so that they may have sustainable livelihood through arts and crafts, she added.

Observing that people should inculcate the sense of dignity of labour, Heptulla also mentioned the need to include crafts training in the school curriculum so that children are imparted the knowledge of craftsmanship right from the beginning.

Stating that Manipur is a paradise which is yet to be explored fully, the Governor said that there are many other unexplored areas which can be developed in the State.

People of other States should understand that North East does not end at Assam or Guwahati but there are many other places and States which may leave them spellbound, she said.

Mentioning some projects/activities which she takes dearly, the Governor said that she convinced the Prime Minister and DoNER Ministry to sanction Rs 25 crore for the introduction of 'Flying Doctors' project in the State.

The Governor also said that she is also committed to protect Loktak Lake and make it a famous tourist destination.

Improvement of National Highways is another thing which is in her mind, she said and - added that it is a must to introduce highway patrol service and opening of more eateries and toilets along the highways.

Dr Najma said she would invite Union Minister for Road Transport, Shipping and Highways Nitin Gadkari to the State so that he may personally inspect the condition of the highways of the State.

In the light of the Government of India's Act East Policy, Moreh-Imphal-Mao and Moreh-Imphal-Jiribam roads should be kept in tiptop condition, she asserted.

Speaking at the occasion as the guest of honour, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that MEET AC is a brainchild of Governor Najma Heptulla.

Stating that there are many other projects which the State Government could launch successfully because of her, the Chief Minister said that Manipur is lucky to have Heptulla as its Governor.

The State has started moving forward under her guidance.

Biren added.

Regarding scarcity of fertilizer being witnessed in the State, the Chief Minister said that the problem cropped up due to the sudden and massive sinking of NH-2 near Kohima.

However, adequate quantity of fertilizer had been transported by train up to Jiribam from Namrup after he talked to Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal, he said while adding that all these fertilizers would reach Imphal within a few days.

Maintaining that there is no dearth of talent and work culture in the State, the Chief Minister opined that these talents and hard works can be translated into economic development if proper opportunities/avenues are provided to the people.

The Chief Minister opined mat Manipur can become a model State in the country within 10 years if it can sideline or avoid bandh/blockade and violent agitations for some time.

Speaking at the occasion as the guest of honour, Textiles, Commerce and Industries Minister and MEETAC Chairman Th Biswajit said that MEETAC is a new beginning and it would certainly open a huge avenue of opportunities to traditional artisans and craftsmen.

Stating that the State needs to promote all its talents and potentials not only in the country but also in the world, the Minister said that it is high time to explore the State's potentials.

He also expressed his gratitude to Governor Dr Najma Heptulla for her committed efforts towards bringing a developmental change in the State.

Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar, CAF & PD Minister Karam Shyam and Water Resources Minister Letpao Haokip also attended the function as guests of honour.

MEETAC is an autonomous society set up on December 29, 2017 by the Governnlent of Manipur under the Department of Textiles, Commerce and Industries with a vision to promote inclusive growth by developing traditional crafts/arts sector of Manipur as per global standards and making it an important spoke in the wheel of economic activities.

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