MU kicks off EDP for artisans, VC calls for exploring National, global markets
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 02 2026: Manipur University on Monday inaugurated a six-day Residential Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) for member-artisans of Handicrafts Producer Companies of Manipur at the Training Hall, Department of Vocational Studies and Skill Development (DVSSD), New Social Science Block.

The programme, being held from November 2 to 7, is organised by DVSSD and sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), North Eastern Regional Office (NERO), Guwahati, under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, in coordination with Handicrafts Service Centre, Porompat.

The inaugural function was attended by Vice-Chancellor Prof RK Hemakumar Singh as chief guest, Prof Memcha Loitongbam, Dean, School of Social Sciences and Pampa Karmakar.

Assistant Director (Handicrafts), Handicrafts Service Centre, Porompat as guests of honour.

Dr Nambram Amulkumar.

Head, DVSSD presided over the function.

A total of 20 registered artisans from six Handicrafts Producer Companies - Heeri Konba Handloom & Handicraft, Loijing Loya Handicraft, Gyanis Handicraft, Kauna Eastern Company Limited, Aahenba and Citizen Welfare Handicraft Producer Companies - are participating in the programme.

Addressing the gathering, Prof Hemakumar Singh stressed that artisans must move beyond traditional production practices to develop entrepreneurial capabilities to compete in modem markets.

He said training in enterprise development, financial management, GST, credit facilities, marketing and export management would help artisans address practical business challenges.

He urged artisans not to confine their products to Manipur alone but to explore opportunities in other states and international markets, and encouraged them to document the sessions and share knowledge with fellow artisans.

Pampa Karmakar highlighted the Ministry's interest in developing closer institutional linkages between universities and traditional handicraft entrepreneurs.

She disclosed that the Ministry was exploring the possibility of introducing a specialised academic course in traditional arts and crafts at Manipur University and proposed an institutional consultation to examine academic and infrastructural requirements.

Dr Nambram Amulkumar said the Department had interacted with artisans to identify challenges in marketing, financial management and production efficiency.

and assured continued institutional support including access to incubation facilities and technical equipment.

The programme covers entrepreneurship and enterprise development, marketing and product design, financial literacy, banking, GST and credit management, digital marketing, e-commerce, export management and legal compliance.

Participants will also receive exposure to platforms like India Handmade and Government e-Marketplace (GeM), digital payments, product photography and business planning.

The welcome address was delivered by Dr Kangjam Mukhara Devi, while Dr Huidrom Jiten Kumar Singh proposed the vote of thanks.

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