IDPs' products make way to Mumbai
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 06 2023:
To encourage and empower the people displaced by the crisis in Manipur, the State Government has started selling handloom and handicraft items crafted by internally displaced people (IDPs) to Mumbai.
The statement was given by the Managing Director of Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation Elangbam Jiten at the launch function of a 14 day State Handloom Expo underway at Thoubal Mela Ground, today.
The expo is being organised by the Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation under the theme "My Handloom, My Pride, Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Fashion" and sponsored by the Development Commissioner (Handloom) of the Ministry of Textiles.
At the launch function, Jiten said that the Corporation has started selling the handloom and handicraft items skilfully made by the people at relief camps at Mumbai.
He continued that Manipur has immense potential in the handloom and handicraft sector.
The Corporation, however, faces some inconve- nience in filing GST to sell the handloom and handicraft items at Mumbai and Delhi, Jiten added.
Appealing to all artisans to understand what the market demands and play the central role in promoting the handloom and handicraft items, Jiten said that there shouldn't be any compromise on quality while crafting any handloom and handicraft items.
The price should be reasonable too, he added.
Continuing that selling locally crafted items is little difficult for now due to the unavailability of a low cost transport system, Jiten maintained that the Corporation, nonetheless, has been helping the artisans and weavers of the State in marketing their products at their level best.
He said that the 14 day expo is being organised to support the artisans and weavers taking refuge at relief camps.
Priyadarshi Daripa, Deputy Director of Weavers Service Centre Porompat, said that Manipur is one of the leading States in the handloom and handicraft sector.
She appealed to all artisans to stamp handloom marks in their items and consult with them or the relevant department / Corporation if they come across any difficulties.
National awardee (Handloom) Urikhinbam Bala also attended the launch function of the 14 day expo.