Meinya appeals to artisans to avail govt schemes benefits

From A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 10

Development commissioner (Handicraft), Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation limited in association with Council of Handicraft Development Associations (COHANDS) organised an awareness programme today at the auditorium of Manipur Film Development Society.

The awareness programme was held under the theme “Calling weavers and Artisans” as a part of the Hastkala Sahyog Shivir camp to provide information about the several beneficial schemes introduced by the government for the handloom artisans and weavers.

On the occasion, Lok Sabha MP, Meinya said the programme was organised as a part of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s initiative to provide benefits to handloom artisans and weavers of the country in regards to the 100th birth anniversary of pundit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya.

The prime ministers have introduced Mudra Loans for the benefits of artisans as well as provided new equipment to weavers to increase the products. Yarn pass books have been provided to female weavers, allowing them to purchase yarn and threads at 10 percent discount.

He further said the awareness programme was also held today at other places like Imphal east, Keirao Bitra, Haorang Sabal and Machi, Chandel. Besides the mentioned areas, the programme will be held at Imphal West, Bishnupur, Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and Thoubal, he added.

Sanjeevkumar expressed the awareness programme held today is an important event organised with the participation of artisans and weavers hailing from several assembly constituencies under Imphal east. He said the benefits of Mudra Loan will be informed in the programme. If benefits provided by the loan can be utilised, then it will bring progress in the field of handloom and handicrafts, he added.

An MoU will be signed between the office of DDC handicraft and Life Insurance Corporation of India for the benefits of female handloom weavers. Insurance benefits have been already provided to the families of female weavers who had passed away and during unfortunate events, he added.

The forms for national awards are now made available for female weavers and artisans. Handloom weavers and artisans must try to get these awards, he said.

The programme was also attended by bank officials, LIC officials, and members of GST Seva Kendra. Pehcan card issued by the ministry was handed out to weavers.

The programme was attended by member of the Lok Sabha, Dr. Th. Meinya as chief guest, deputy chairman, Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited and Manipur state planning board, S. Rajen as president, MLA, Keirao assembly constituency, L. Rameshwor, MLA, Yaiskul assembly constituency, Th. Satyabrata and assistant director (MSEC), M. Sanjeevkumar as guests of honour.