Imphal, February 10: A six months training programme on bamboo crafts was opened today at Kwakeithel Bazar.

The training programme is organised by the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage under the sponsorship of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, New Delhi.

Speaking on the inaugural function as chief guest, District Youth Affairs and Sports Officer Imphal West RK Chitrajit said that there are many welfare schemes in the Youth Section under the Youth Affairs and Sports Department.

Observing that educated youths should not waste valuable time waiting and pursuing Government jobs, he said that there are many welfare schemes under the Youth Affairs and Sports Department aimed at providing a source of income to educated youths so that they can be economically independent.

Citing lack of work culture among Manipuri youths, the tendency to earn easy money, lack of professionalism and lack of dedication to one's vocation among the youths, RK Chitrajit said that the youths of the State are unable to capitalise on the funds provided by the Government, specifically for the welfare of youths.

Guest of honour Ch Mani of the Investigating, Marketing and Service Extension Centre, Office of the Development Commission Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India said that handicraft industry based on bamboo would be very suitable in the State.

Saying that 52 different varieties of bamboo are available in Manipur, he stressed on the prospects of self-employment by producing bamboo based quality handicraft products.

Even as the Union Government has set aside funds to promote self employment among youths taking up crafts as their vocation, the youths of the State are unable to take the benefits of the fund set aside for them.

Today's inaugural function was presided by convenor of the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage.

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