DIPR
Imphal, March 28: Textiles, Commerce and Industries Minister Shri Thongam Biswajit Singh inaugurated a Powerloom Unit, having 11 looms, today at the Industrial Estate, Takyelpat.
Addressing the inaugural function, the Minister expressed the need to encourage and promote weavers in the State, and said Manipur has the highest number of weavers in the country.
He said that introduction of the powerloom will increase production which will increase the income for the weavers. However, there are also concerns over the survival of traditional handloom due to growth in powerloom sector, he said.
Observing that there is a need to protect the traditional handloom weavers, he said that certain items should be reserved for production through traditional handloom weaving process only and should not be touched by powerlooms. He appealed to the powerloom entrepreneurs not to produce these reserved items.
He said the government is also trying to release the list of items (to be included in the Manipur State Textile Policy under the Reservation of the Articles for Production Act 1985)which are reserved for traditional handloom weavers by April. He further expressed that the traditional weavers need not worry over the growth of powerlooms.
Minister Biswajit said industrialisation is a must in every society, however, the State is today facing unemployment problem.
He also explained the Mission for Economic Empowerment of Traditional Artisans/ Craftsman (MEETAC) and said that it is aimed at promoting the traditional crafts/arts sector of the State. MEETAC is the brainchild of the State Governor, he said adding that the mission also aims to provide market for handloom and handicraft products in bulk quantity.
Lauding the State handloom and handicrafts artisans, the Minister also said that today handloom and handicraft products of the State have reached the international market. The main objective of the Handloom and Textiles is growth of the State’s economy and increase production of weavers, he said.
Minister Biswajit also said that it is his firm belief that the cotton plantation at Kwatha will be a success and that plantation at Jiribam will soon start.
He further said that the main objective of the government is to improve production, increase income and to generate employment.
Minister Biswajit also announced a power incentive for powerloom weavers as encouragement. He also said that the Apparel and Garment Centre will also be set up at Imphal East and Industrial Estate in all districts.
MANIDCO Ltd. Chairman Dr. Radhesyam Yumnam lauded the directorate for its effort in inaugurating the powerloom unit. The inaugural function was also attended by Handloom and Textiles Director Shri K. Lamlee Kamei.
Staffs and officials of the directorate, weavers, proprietors of units of the Industrial Estate and others also attended the function.
Minister Biswajit also inspected various units set up at the Industrial Estate.
