Government serious to solve unemployment problem: CM
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 06, 2014: Chief Minister O Ibobi on Thursday expressed his concern over the unemployment problem in the State, saying the Government has been seriously contemplating to find ways and means of providing employment to the youth.

The CM stated this while inaugurating a Power-loom & Elite Service Centre and Training of Self-Picking Advanced Loom at the Industrial Estate, Takyelpat in Imphal West district.

Emphasizing the importance of competing with other countries of South Asia in development, Ibobi said, "We're already late to compare with the neighboring countries.

In other States of the country like Kerala, handloom products come out from men only while here in the State, it is quite opposite because only women do the job".

The CM said he expects beautiful handloom products of high quality from the newly inaugurated advanced power-loom that can attract the neighbouring countries.

He noted the need for participation by men too in the occupation.

Ibobi said the advanced power-loom, which requires only five weavers, has the capacity to yield more products which is comparable to a 100 weavers' products.

The CM called on the Commerce and Industries Department to look out for different welfare programmes for the State's weavers.

Government serious to solve unemployment problem: CM

Raw materials for the power-loom will be procured from outside the State, so the department concerned needs a careful study on the profit that could be generated by the power-loom.

The CM said it is a pride of the State which has ranked third in the National Weaving Census record and once again appealed to the male community of Manipur to join the weaving occupation.

Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam, who was also present at the function, said there is a big difference between the products of advanced power-looms and ordinary handlooms.

He said his department has been making efforts to provide subsidized raw materials to the weavers of advanced power-loom.

Govindas informed that the State Government and Ministry of Textile have been awarding marketing incentives to the state's weavers to encourage them in the activity.

Informing that 133 male weavers are currently undergoing training at Weaver Service, Porompat, Govindas also said every weaver who holds Weaver's Credit Card can get a loan amount of Rs 25,000-75,000 from any Centralized bank.

The event, among others was also attended by AK Mirabai, Social Welfare Minister and Lakhir, Commissioner of Commerce & Industries.