Weavers' training session begins
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 06, 2011:
A week long training programme for on 'skill and design upgradation' for women weavers of Kyamgei has been inaugurated today with DIC, Imphal East General Manager Th Arun, social worker N Itomba Meetei and Keirao Bitra Loumee Lup advisor W suresh as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
The training camp is being conducted under the sponsorship of Department of Commerce and Industries and organised by Keirao Bitra Loumee Lup.
DIC General manager Th arun addressing the gathering called upon the Kyamgei women folk, particularly weavers to avail various welfare schemes and benefits being provided by the Commerce and Industries Department.
While pointing out that inspite of presence of impressive number of weavers in Kyamgei there is hardly any record of the local weavers inquiring about schemes and benefits, the chief guest also conveyed that apart from health insurance for women weavers the Department is extending support in the education of atleast two children of a women weaver.
As a resource person, ICICI (LOMBARD General Scheme) Team leader RK Sherjit gave a detailed account on various schemes for women weavers.
Delivering the presidential address, N Itomba pledged all possible assistance for the betterment of the Kyamgei weavers.
Noting plight of the local weavers, in terms of financial hardships, despite hard labour put in weaving activities, Itomba observed that dependence on bank loans or from local money lenders is the chief factor as the income is used for repaying loan and clear debt.
Suggesting that the women weavers approach officials of department concern to extract benefits and avail welfare schemes available for weavers, the social worker also informed that through the assistance of Commerce and Industries Department women weavers of far-off areas such as Sekta and Andro are comparatively better that Kyamgei.
Over 100 local weavers are taking part in the training programme.
speaking on behalf of the participants, an elderly woman namely Subadani contended that Kyamgei area is being neglected by successive local representative(s) as she had never encountered instance of kerosine provision or welfare programme of the Government such as Old Age Pension scheme.