Around 75,000 artisans enrolled in state: Sanjib Kumar
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 10 2025: Informing that there are around 75,000 recognised artisans in the state, who have enrolled and are in possession of Pehchan identity cards, Handicrafts Service Centre, Imphal senior assistant director (handicraft) Mutum Sanjib Kumar stated that efforts are being taken to enrol the remaining artisans.

He made the statement during the Annual Get-together and Awareness cum Sensitisation of Scheme" organised by the Handicrafts Service Centre, Imphal under the aegis of the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, held at Dharmalaya Hall in Brahmapur Nahabam on Saturday.

Around 75,000 artisans enrolled in state: Sanjib Kumar

As part of the programme, a discussion on the facilitation of artisans from local to global markets was held between national awardees, Shilp Guru awardees, NMCs and the Reliance team.

Stating that Manipur has a huge handicraft and handloom potential, Sanjib Kumar informed that so far, the state has produced 24 national awardees, 21 National Merit Certificate recipients and three Shilp Guru awardees.

At present, around 75,000 artisans from the state are enrolled under the Ministry and possess Pehchan ID cards.

He continued that the handloom and handicraft sector is one of the most employable sectors next to agriculture.

It is also one of the biggest contributors to the economy.

Thus, the central government has taken up various welfare activities and schemes for artisans.

Artisans above 60 years of age are being given monthly pensions, which have been raised to Rs 8,000 from Rs 2,000 .

He also said that artisans no longer have to face a lack of market access with the presence of e-market platforms.

However, he stressed the need to ensure the quality and value of products when entering the global market.

The programme was also attended by NERO, Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Guwahati, Assam regional director (NER) Hara Kanta Baro as chief guest; and Weavers' Service Centre, Imphal ex-assistant director M Ibohal Singh and Directorate of Handloom and Textiles ex-assistant director W Birenjit Singh as guests of honour.