Relief camp inmates' products worth ₹1.36 lakh sold
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Thoubal, November 14 2023:
Thoubal district administration organised a one-day sales event of products made by inmates of different relief camps set up in the district, at the counting hall of DC Thoubal complex on Tuesday.
The event was attended by Trade, Commerce and Industries director Robita Yumnam and Thoubal deputy commissioner (DC) Ahanthem Subash as presidium members.
The event showcasing kouna products, hand knitted woolen items, candles, soft toys and others were purchased by officers from other districts, DLOs, staff of the district administration and the public.
The sales event ended at 4 pm and products worth Rs 1,36,390 were sold by the inmates.
Speaking on the occasion, DC Subash informed that there are around 1270 inmates in different relief camps set up across the district, who are being looked after by the district administration.
The products on sale at the event were made by the inmates after undergoing training programmes under the initiative of different departments.
So far, products worth Rs 3.20 lakh made by the inmates have been sold, he added.
The DC elaborated that the district administration initially housed internally displaced people in 15 relief camps which have been reduced to three, namely Kodompokpi Sports Complex, Rice Research Centre, Khangabok-Wangbal and Lamding Higher Secondary School, housing the existing 1,270 inmates who were displaced from Tengnoupal, Moreh, Churachandpur, Serou, Sungu and other areas.
In-spite of the state government providing all necessary assistance to the displaced people, the district administration felt that they should be imparted skill development trainings, he explained and thanked Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) for their valuable contribution in providing various skill development trainings.
He also urged the gathering to buy soft toys made by Eramdam Ningol Shanglen (Open Shelter for Girls) run by RVS, Wangbal.
With regard to the kouna products made by the inmates, Manipur State Livelihood Mission (MSRLM) provided invaluable techniques like beautification training, thereby increasing the aesthetic value of the kouna products.
The training programme was conducted in association with an NGO namely ODES to help in generating a regular source of income, he added.
The DC then said that the district administration initially provided raw materials to the inmates and helped in marketing the end products worth around Rs 3,20,000.At JNIMS, candles, kouna products and others were sold during the Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme.
Further, the medical institute has requested for more products including laptop bags made of kouna for a conference which is scheduled to be held in December.
He also informed the gathering that similar cooperation has been extended by Handloom and Handicrafts Corporation.
The first batch of kouna products have been procured by the corporation for showcasing in emporium.
There is further demand by the corporation which will be fulfilled in the near future.
He informed the inmates that kouna products have a vast market and that they should keep on producing more products.
The DC along with the other dignitaries visited all the stalls and interacted with the inmates, encouraging them for their resilience and dedication despite facing an adverse situation.
After the stall inspection, Trade, Commerce and Industries director Yumnam Robita Devi addressed the gathering, stating that the enthusiasm amongst the inmates and the gathering is inspiring.
She then said the inmates will be invited to the Khadi Mela from the department's side, while advising them to register themselves so that they can apply for various benefits provided by the government.
She also said the inmates can approach the district administration for help in availing various credit link subsidy schemes.