State artisans need empowerment to increase productivity, says Biswajit

IMPHAL | Oct 4

Textiles, commerce and industry minister, Thongam Biswajit Singh urged government officials to ensure that benefits of all government schemes reach the intended beneficiaries.

Minister Biswajit was speaking at the inaugural function of a Combined Programme of 10 Handicrafts Cluster Projects (Technical Training Programme, Integrated Design Development Project and Design Development Workshop) at the Classic Hotel today.

Addressing to the local artisans present in the programme, the minister said handicraft and handloom sector helps in employment generation in the State, however, there are certain factors including lack of awareness, capital and exposure to new and modern technologies which are slowing the sector down.

Biswajit further expressed the need to properly educate and mobilise the artisans in order to empower them so that they may increase their productivity. He said the main objective of the training is to achieve socio-economic empowerment of the artisans. The artisans should be sincere in their work for the scheme to succeed, he added.

Minister Biswajit Singh also explained the need to educate the artisans of the various schemes of the government for their welfare.

Explaining the need to create awareness of government schemes among the public, he said it is the responsibility of the government and its officials to educate all artisans and intended beneficiaries about the schemes. He further stated that officials of the department should ensure that the artisans get the full benefits of the training.

Textiles, commerce and industry principal secretary, P.Vaiphei said Manipur has a very rich handloom and handicrafts tradition. He said there is a huge percentage of household involvement in handloom and handicraft sector, particularly in rural areas.

Stating that many of the people involved in these sectors do so as part of their tradition, he continued because of the fact that these are part of our tradition it is extremely important for us to promote it.

Our handloom is our identity; he said adding it tells about who we are before we speak. He continued that from a distance people can recognise us from our dress. He also said that when somebody visits our homes and villages, the handicrafts which are on display at our homes and villages tell a lot about our background, culture, history and tradition, which is extremely important.

Director of handlooms and textiles, Manipur and managing director (Manipur handlooms and handicrafts development corporation Ltd.) K.Lamlee Kamei announced a toll free helpline No. 18002120403 of the department through which anyone can make enquiries regarding handloom and handicrafts delivery scheme.

Today’s inaugural function was also attended by chairman MHHDC Ltd. and deputy. chairman, Manipur state planning board, S Rajen Singh.