Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 20 2010:
A 10-day long 'Winter Crafts Bazar' being organised by the People's Education for Awareness and Community Empowerment Organisation (PEACE) has begun from today at the ground of Yaiskul Athletic Club here.
More than 50 stalls, mostly displaying and selling handloom and handicraft products are participating in the crafts bazar, which is being sponsored by the office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
The inaugural function of the crafts bazar was attended by MLA of Kshetrigaon Assembly Constituency Thangjam Nandakishore Singh as chief guest, Managing Director of Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation W Nilamani Singh as functional president and Assistant Director of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Imphal T Rolle Vareishim and senior designer Sukumar Haobam as guests of honour.
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Speaking as chief guest of the inaugural function, MLA Nandakishore pointed out that along with recognising the products made by Manipuri artisans, the Government India has also initiated various welfare measures.
Unfortunately, the State Government is yet to come up with any definite programmes and policies to encourage the artisans in the State.
So, keeping in mind the position of the State economy, the Government should work out at least some programmes and policies for giving incentive to the State artisans, the MLA observed.
Furthermore, the MLA pointed out that the quality of the products made by the State artisans should be enhanced, if these products were to compete in the International markets.
In his presidential address, W Nilamani acknowledged that although there is a great demand of the products made by the State artisans outside Manipur, the artisans are finding difficulty in meeting the demand due to shortage of raw materials.
So the authorities concerned should ensure adequate supply of the raw materials required by the artisans, he said.
After the chief guest formally declared inaugural of the 10-day long winter crafts bazar, the dignitaries also went around to inspect the stalls.