Manipur weavers to get 4 lakh solar-powered looms

Manipur Commerce & Industries Minister Thongam Biswajit on Sunday said that the Central Government has agreed to provide four lakh solar powered looms to the weavers of the State in order to increase productivity as well as their income. The Minister was speaking at a reception cum opening of new bank account of weavers at Uchekon, Laikon Lampak in Imphal East district. The function was jointly organised by Departments of Textiles, Commerce& Industry and Handlooms & Textiles. Stating that there are 4.5 lakh households in the State without employment, he said, a new delivery system for raw materials will be launched in the State soon to help weavers. The government is also targeting to generate one lakh jobs in a year under various departments.

The Minister also informed that the spinning mill located at Loitang Khunou in Imphal West district will be revived very soon. The Union Ministry of Textiles will provide 70 per cent subsidy for reviving the mill which is the only cotton spinning mill in the entire North East, he added. He told the gathering that handloom and handicraft emporia will be opened very soon in every district of the State. Handloom and handicraft is very important as it is the main source of income in the State. Project Manager (Handloom), Imphal East, P Meenakumari said it is necessary for weavers to open bank account to avail benefits under various Central Government schemes.

Source:AT