Imphal, October 13, 2017 (DIPR): The Government led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh is giving equal emphasis to human development as well as on infrastructural development. Without human development, there cannot be a strong economic growth. This was stated by Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Revenue Minister Shri Karam Shyam during the ‘Hastkala Sahyog Shivir’ as part of Pan India Handloom and Handicraft Camps at Kangla Hall, Kangla, Imphal.
Addressing the weavers, artisans and craftsmen, Chief Guest of the function, Minister Karam Shyam said that, there is a need for more awareness programmes as many weavers, artisans and craftsmen are unaware of the schemes and benefits provided by the Government. He urged the officials of the Manipur Handlooms and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd. to create new ways to inform/educate/communicate with the target beneficiaries about the schemes and programmes. Karam Shyam also said the initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India will hopefully benefit the weavers, artisans and craftsmen of the State.
Praising the contribution of women in our society, the Minister said, women contribute more than 80 percent in share of the family income. Calling upon women to take active role in the fight against corruption, the Minister said women of the State have always played a pivotal role in shaping our society. Stating corruption as a menace to the society, Karam Shyam said corruption is crippling the potentials which can be use as a way to generate income. Development of the State and change in the society cannot be done without the active participation from women, he added.
Speaking as Guest of Honour Dr. Thokchom Meinya, MP Lok Sabha said weavers, artisans and craftsmen holding Yarn Passbook can avail 10 percent discounts on purchase of yarn and those with Pehchan Identity Card can avail many benefits including credit facilities, enrollment under IGNOU/NIOS courses among others. He also expressed the need for frequent Buyer-Seller meet to market the handloom and handicraft products. He also said more research and development is required on the indigenous products of the State. He also said we need to patent the products which will benefit the Govt. and the manufacturer. New design development and better finish product is needed to attract buyers from outside the State and abroad.
Speaking as the President of the function, Shri S. Rajen Singh, Chairman Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation (MHHDC) and Deputy Chairman, Manipur State Planning Board said those holding Weaver Card can avail 10 percent discount on purchase of yarn from MHHDC along with home delivery of the yarn. The finished products will be purchased back by MHHDC which will be picked from the residence of the weavers and artisans by MHHDC. He said if the handicraft and handloom products are made compulsory in Schools and Govt. offices it will encourage and benefit the weavers and artisans.
Guest of Honour Shri O. Lukhoi Singh, MLA Wangoi A/C, Shri K. Robindro Singh, MLA Mayang Imphal A/C and Shri H. Dingo Singh, MLA Sekmai A/C also addressed the weavers, artisans and craftsman. Selected weavers, artisans and craftsmen were distributed Pehchan Identity Card and tool kits by the dignitaries.
Hastkala Sahyog Shivir is jointly organised by Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, Council of Handicrafts Development Corporations (COHANDS) and Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited, Imphal under the initiative of Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India. Services provided during the camp to weavers and artisans include issuance of credit facilities through MUDRA schemes, assistance for technological upgradation, distribution of modern tool kits and equipment, enrolment under IGNOU/NOIS courses, access to CSC facilities, issuance of Yarn Pass Book, buyer-seller meets and expos among others.
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