Senga, Kouna craft, Lik Kon in line for GI tag
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 15 2025: Thokchom Basanta, General Manager (Administration) of Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Limited (MHHDCL), has said that Senga (a metal bell) and some other handloom and handicraft items of Manipur are poised to receive the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag under the Intellectual Property Rights soon.

He made the announcement at the closing ceremony of the 14 day State Handloom Expo, 2025 which was organised by MHHDCL under the sponsorship of the Development Commissioner (Handloom) of Ministry of Textiles at Nilakuthi today.

Addressing the function, Basanta said that three handloom items of Manipur viz Saphee Lanphee, Moirang Phee and Wangkhei Phee have already received GI tag.

Saying that the Directorate of the Handloom and Textiles has been pursuing GI tag for Senga, Kouna craft and Lik Kon (jewellery and ornament) after consulting experts since 2020, he maintained that they have submitted the necessary documents to the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai.

Further stating that they will hold a virtual meeting with the officials of the GI Registry tomorrow, he added that it would be a proud moment for the State if Senga, Kouna craft and Lik Kon receive GI tag as it would help conserve these traditional crafts and boost their marketability.

He went on to state that they are also pursuing a GI tag for "Phanek" and some other handloom items.

Basanta also appealed to all the weavers to apply for insurance without fail.

Technical Superintendent of Weavers' Service Centre, Porompat Surendra Singh and State awardee (Handloom) Angom Anita also attended the programme among others.

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