Governor inaugurates Manitex 2019 edition

Imphal, the 5^th November, 2019 (DIPR): Manipur International Textile Expo (MANITEX) 2019 Edition was inaugurated by Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla today at Lamboikhongangkhong, Imphal.

In her inaugural speech as Chief Guest, Governor said it is gratifying to know that Seminar and Workshops on technical textiles and Loin Loom are organizing during the Expo and    believe that the Seminar and the Workshops will certainly have a fruitful deliberation among the experts and explore ways and means to solve the problem She expressed her  confidence  that the emphasis will be on the North Eastern States, which have tremendous human resources and which, with problem grooming can participate effectively in the road for nation building.

She applauded the State Government and the Directorate of Handlooms & Textiles for their relentless efforts to organize such mega event in the interest of our Weavers and Artisans   and giving a platform to showcase all the products of handlooms, handicrafts, dyeing & printing, power loom, garment, embroidery and costume in larger scale with participation of different States and foreign countries in the MANITEX deserves appreciation and praiseworthy. A total of  333 stalls including  12 foreign participants such as Thailand -4, Bangladesh- 9 and Myanmar-1  and 56 from other States of the country and local 268 participate in this Edition.

She states that the state is inhabited by about 34 different communities with diverse history and customs boasting a rich cultures, dances, music (folk and modern), costumes, festivals which   attract many people from around the globe. Some of the major ones are Yaoshang, Rath Jatra, Lai-Haraoba, Ramjan, Eid, Kut, Gang-Ngai, Chumpha, Cheiraoba, Heikru Hidongba, Lui-Ngai-Ni and Kwak Jatra, etc.

The Governor expressed her concern regarding the Handloom and handicraft industry  by saying that in spite of its importance to the economy, this industry has been facing numerous problems in terms of lack of proper organization, inadequate finance, unreliable sources of raw materials from outside the State, exploitation by middle men in importing raw materials and also marketing of finished products.  Besides this, owing to lack of quality control, it cannot withstand competition from outside products.  Considerable importance has to be laid on this sector as the benefits from this industry would go to almost every household in Manipur.

She further states that Manipuri women are known for their skill in handloom and handicraft work and in order to develop and promote textile industry in Manipur, Department has been implementing schemes for Power loom Estate, Apparel & Garment Making Centre at Lamboi Khongnangkhong, 127 Handloom Clusters, 10 Handicrafts Clusters, one Terracotta project at Thongjao, new Handicrafts project for 6000 artisans under Ministry of Textiles.  A new scheme “SAMARTH” for capacity building in Textile Sector was introduced by the Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India and an MoU was signed between the Govt. of India and Govt. of Manipur on 14th August, 2019 which is quite encouraging.

She urged the Government to preserve the handloom and handicrafts as they are part of the state’s  rich cultural heritage. Varied designs and shapes of handloom and handicrafts products, sensitively beautiful, perfected by usage of centuries are not merely the economic sources of the people but they are the fulfilment of an  artistic pursuit. And unemployment being one of the biggest challenges  young generation is facing, skill development in handloom and handicrafts should not only be to make the youth eligible for self-employment but also equip them with the entrepreneurial competence so that they can open new avenues.

Speaking as the Chief Host, Textiles, Commerce & Industry Minister Shri Th. Bishwajit Singh said that the main objective of organising the Expo is to produce a quality handloom and handicrafts products and showcase those products in international arena which will in turn provide economic sustenance to the artisans. For this purpose many foreign countries and national states were invited to participate in this Expo.  During his speech, Biswajit also expressed his gratitude to the Governor for working for bridging the gap between hills and valley and also working to generate employment especially among the educated unemployed youth. He further states that, it is due to the initiation of the Governor that Manipur is featured in handloom and handicrafts map.

As a part of the function, a documentary film on Handloom Tradition of Manipur titled “ Chara Iyong” was released by the Governor.

Tripura Minister of Revenue & Fisheries Shri Nagendra Chandra Debbarma attended at Special guest and  Health Minister Shri L.Jayantakumar Singh, Social Welfare Minister Smt. Nemcha Kipgen, Shri S.Rajen Singh, Chairman, MHHDC Ltd., Shri P,Saratchandra Singh, MLA.Moirang A/C, Shri L.Radhakishore Singh, Chairman, KNIB/MPCB, Dr. Raheshyam Yumnam, Chairman ,MANIDCO, Shri Ashab Uddin, MLA,Jiribam A/C and Shri N.Indrajit Singh, MLA, Kshetrigao A/C attended the inaural function as Guests of Honour apart from other dignitaries , officers and officials of the department and public.