Our Correspondent
Imphal, Nov.5 (EMN): In an effort to promote the weavers and their products on the international platform, Manipur International Textile Expo popularly known as MANITEX 2022 was formally inaugurated at the Urban Haat Nilakuthi in the outskirts of Imphal.
The Expo, organised by the Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles, will continue till November 14.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, accompanied by Ministers Th Biswajit Singh(Power, Forest, Environment & Agriculture),Nemcha Kipgen(Textiles, Commerce & Industry), Minister L Susindro Meitei(Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution),Kashim Vashum(Transport)and Chairman Kh Ibomcha of Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd., were present during the inaugural function.
Biren Singh said the financial assistance through DBT will be distributed to around 15,450 handloom weavers and boatmen with a total outlay of around INR 23.4815 crore.
“Today, beneficiaries of different schemes received funds directly transferred to their accounts,” the chief minister said, highlighting that the funds were transferred directly to farmers, weavers, old age pensioners, scheme beneficiaries, etc. under different schemes.
Acknowledging women’s contribution to the state’s economy, he said, “Our people have the potential, talents and especially womenfolk are courageous and brave; state’s Ima keithels have garnered in national and international platforms,” he said, adding that the government has decided to establish a wholesaler of yarn at Ima Keithel so that weavers can get them at cheaper price.
Considering instances of mass production of traditional clothes such as Khudei, Phanek, enaphi, etc, by using machines outside the state, which are made available at a cheaper price to control the market, shops and business houses have been instructed that such traditional items which are handmade should not be replaced by machine made copies, he added.
Highlighting the multiple venues for the upcoming Sangai Festival, Biren Singh also encouraged the people to witness the extravaganza, and said people can visit the venues freely after November 15.
The chief minister also highlighted the government’s target to provide 100% drinking water pipelines to all households in the state.
In his speech, Power, Forest, Environment and Agriculture Minister, Th Biswajit Singh, said Manipur’s weavers have huge potential as the state has 2.12 lakh handloom weavers, 2.11 lakh looms and 2 lakh handicraft artisans, according to the 2019-20 National Handloom Census Report.
Textiles Minister Nemcha Kipgen said this year, the Expo has 274 stalls including local weavers, artisans, entrepreneurs, local private companies, national level organisations , international stalls from Thailand, Bangladesh and Myanmar, food court, state government departments, etc.