During the past 15 years, State Government has taken up many schemes for the weavers and handloom sector. Between 2002-2007 under Deen Dayal Hathkar- gha Protsahan Yojana (DDHPY) 18,272 weavers were given training and 14,497 weavers were given Skill Upgradation (Training). In 2014, under Integrated Skill Development Scheme, 11,550 weavers were given training.
To empower the weavers of the State between 2002-2014 Equipment grant of Loom, jacquard, Dobby and acessiories under DDHPY & IHDS to the tune of Rs 866.88 lakh were given to 28,412 weavers. 17,042 Handloom workshed under Workshed Scheme, IHDS and North Eastern Region Textile Promotion Scheme were given between 2003-2016. To give the weavers easy access of yarn, 117 yarn depots were opened under IHDS and NERTPS between 2007-2015. Under IHDS and NERTPS, 166 unemployed youths were given employment between 2007-2016. Financing has always been an issue for the weavers of the State. To facilitate weavers easy access to finance, 1641 cooperative societies and 4 banks were opened between 2012-2014 under RRRP.
On 26th November 2015 Panthoibi Arcade was inaugurated by Chief Minister, O. Ibobi Singh. The arcade covers area of 1451.60 Sqm with 20 shops, one exhibition and training hall.
Encouraging the weavers for their talent and dedication 11 weavers received different awards namely, National Award, Merit Award and Sant Kabir Award. Acknowledging that Handloom and Textile sector needs upgradation, in 2014 Poweloom and Allied Service centre was inaugurated at Industrail Estate, Takyelpat by Chief Minister and in 2015 Apparel and Garment making Centre along with a Powerloom Estate was set up under NERTPS at lamboi Khong-nangkhong, Imphal West.
Continuing its effort to make Manipur one of the best state in India and abroad in the field of handloom and textiles, State government is setting up 9 Indudustrial Estates in 9 districts under the financial assistance of Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the NEC. The Takyel Industrial Estate, Construction of Kuraopokpi and Tera Urak Industrial Estates is being upgraded at a total cost of Rs 5859.72.
Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh on 24th November 2016, inaugurated the Industrial Estate at Tera Urak. And on 25th November 2016, Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh inaugurated newly constructed industrial estate at Kuraopokpi, Thoubal district. On 8th April 2016 Union MSME Minister Kalraj Mishra laid foundation stones for construction of one industrial estate each at Ukhrul, Chura-chandpur and Chandel. The industrial estates has been financed by Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The ministry has sanctioned Rs 949.19 lakh for construction of Industrial Estates in Churachandpur, Rs 906.55 lakh in Chandel and Rs 949.19 lakh in Ukhrul district.
The foundation stones were laid together at the Expo Hall, Lamboi Khongnang- khong. During the function foundation stone for one Livelihood Business Incu-bation (LBI) Centre in nine districts was also laid. The 9 LBIs is going to play a crucial role in Make in Manipur initiative. Under ASPIRE Scheme launched by the Centre,22 Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs) has been sanctioned. The Department of Commerce and Industries is continuing its effort to provide welfare schemes for the Craft Artisans. Incentives/State awards were given to 200 outstanding handicrafts Artisans and 680 Individual ex-trainee handicrafts artisans were provided financial assistance in 2016.
Source: The Sangai Express