Sajibu Textiles Expo conducted
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 10 2025: A two-day Sajibu Textiles Expo jointly organised by Surja Deva handloom and Handicrafts Cooperative Society and Panthoibi Weaving Collection Centre was held at Sagolband Meino Leirak Arambam Lampak community hall.

The fair organised under the aegis of Directorate of Handloom and Textiles, was attended by Weavers' Service Centre, Imphal deputy director Priyadarshi Daripa and YPU Club, Meino Leirak president Salam Bharat Bhushan as chief guest and functional president, while Directorate of Handloom and Textiles deputy director Thokchom Basanta, District Industries Centre, Manipur general manager Aheibam Loken, District Handloom and Textiles, Imphal East project manager (Handloom) L Dashumati, Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited, PME, Imphal manager Th Ravi and YPU advisor Arambam Subash were the guests of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, deputy director Basanta explained the importance of possession Weaver's Card which is mandatory for the weavers in availing benefits of various welfare and development schemes initiated by both the state and central governments.

He informed that the state government offers two insurance schemes specifically for women weavers.

He, however, lamented that out of around two lakh women weavers in the state, only a little over 2000 are availing insurance benefits.

Basanta also mentioned that children of women weavers are eligible for scholarship of up to Rs 2 lakh if they pursue courses related to handloom and handicrafts.

Unfortunately, no children have so far taken advantage of this scholarship scheme, he said.

The deputy director further informed that steps are on to establish Handloom Weaver Producer Companies for women weavers in the state, adding that each company will consist of a minimum of 10 women weavers as members.

"The Ministry will provide funding for the registration of these companies.

Once a company completes one year, it will be eligible for a loan of up to Rs 2 lakh for purchase of office equipment, and up to Rs 10 lakh as working capital," he said.

A total of 36 stalls showcasing a wide range of handloom products participated in the expo.

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