Imphal, September 25 2009: The flag-ship programme of the UPA Government, Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) has given a new ray of hope to weavers of Ukhrul district who are today moving ahead in the path of economic independence.

Under the funding of this scheme, the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) launched the Integrated Tribal Handloom Production by Women last year with the set target of helping women weavers of the district improve their financial position in over two years' period.

And the success of the programme is for all to see now.

Along with formation of 100 self help groups of women weavers in 100 different villages, DRDA had provided training on weaving of the traditional Tangkhul cloths apart from providing each of the self help groups with four looms, one spinning drum and two sewing machines.

Furthermore, DRDA had also taken the responsibility of constructing one workshed for each of the 100 SHGs.

Today, the training imparted to these women weavers do not go in waste and their products have great demand not only in Manipur but also in other places like New Delhi, Myanmar and USA where the products could fetch good prices.

The looms provided by the DRDA is the type which are generally known as Tangkhul loom though it is believed to have been originated from Myanmar.

Earlier, weavers used to take almost a month in weaving a cloth.

But today with the help of this Tangkhul loom, one weaver can finish weaving atleast 16 cloths with less traditional motif designs in a month.

Talking to The Sangai Express, 45-year old AS Hangmila, who originally hails from Sokvao village but presently working as a weaver in the Handloom Production Centre at Phungreitang, Ukhrul, said that the scheme has very beneficial to her.

Hangmila disclosed that she underwent the training under the scheme last year and after the training she has been absorbed as a weaver in the Handloom Production Centre where she earns around Rs 5000 in a month.

With a steady flow of income, Hangmila has brought all her three children from the village and admitted to schools in Ukhrul district headquarters.

Convenor of Ukhrul District Handloom and Handicraft Co-operative Society Raiping said that there is no difficulty in marketing the products of the women weavers and the difficulty is only in meeting the demands.

There are sale depots of these products at New Delhi as well as in USA, he disclosed.

He further informed that the Society provides yarn to the women weavers and the products are bought for marketing by the Society.

In this manner, the Society has been providing employment to around 8770 people directly or indirectly.

Project Director of DRDA Ning Shimi AC also informed that the products of the SHGs are put up for display at various exhibitions and there is no lack of buyers.

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