Imphal, January 14 2010: In order to organise handicrafts exhibitions and allied activities throughout the year so that all artisans of the country are drawn under one roof, the government should provide suitable land for the construction of Urban Haat as done in other states.

This was stated by president of Manipur Apex Handloom Weavers' and Handicraft Artisans' Cooperative Society Ltd, M Satyabhama while addressing pressmen today at Hapta Kangjeibung.

The press meet was called in connection with the 1st Apex Craft Bazar which began from January 9 last under the sponsorship of Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Seityabhama said, had there been enough space, various firms from outside the state should have been invited.

She said, two acres of land is now provided for the construction of Urban Haat against the minimum need of 5 acres of land for the same.

Saying that the main objective of organising the Apex craft Bazar is to display the products of the artisans and to attract the customers inside and outside the state and to provide a market platform at the same time, Seityabhama noted that the artisans are always faced with marketing problem.

She felt that the government should organise exclusive handicrafts fairs in all the metro cities of India where live demonstration of craftsperson are shown and buyers-sellers meet are conducted.

T Rollee Vareishim, Assistant Director (Handicrafts) of Development Commissioner, said that the craft bazar is organised with a sanctioned amount of Rs 13lakh.75% of the fund is provided by the government.

The remaining amount is sanctioned by the Apex Society.

The government has released 50% of its share.

She said, the remaining amount will be released soon after the craft Bazar ends.

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