Imphal: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has announced that the Government of Manipur is considering the establishment of an upgraded, full-fledged department exclusively dedicated to Handloom, Handicrafts and Textiles recognising the sector’s importance to the State’s economy and cultural identity.
The Chief Minister made the above statement while inaugurating the Manipur International Textile Expo (MANITEX) 2026 under the inspiring theme,” Weave for Togetherness, Many Threads, One Manipur,” at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi, Imphal, today.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted the significant contribution of the Handloom and Handicrafts sector to the economic growth of Manipur. He observed that the sector plays a vital role in promoting the State’s identity and recognition at the global level, alongside its rich art & culture and sports.
Recalling his personal association with the handloom sector, the Chief Minister shared that his own mother was also a weaver and that he himself had delivered yarn to the Kongba area of Imphal East in the past. He said that his personal experience had given him an understanding of the hard work and dedication involved in the handloom sector.
He further stated that it would be incorrect to assume that the sector had not witnessed any growth, as progress and development continued to be seen in this sector. He emphasised the need to further strengthen and promote the sector to ensure greater opportunities and benefits for local artisans.
The Chief Minister also instructed the concerned Government authorities to ensure that the benefits of various Centrally Sponsored Schemes of the Government of India reach the artisans of the State effectively.
It may be mentioned that Handloom, Handicrafts and Textiles is a subsidiary of Trade, Commerce and Industries Department.
As part of the event, Khemchand Singh also launched the MANITEX 2026 Official Mobile App and Coffee Table Book ‘Exploring Manipur Textile Design. He also distributed Awards for Crafts and Frame Looms & Accessories, Construction of Individual Workshed to Weavers under Imphal East Mega Handloom Cluster & Small Development Programme under National Handloom Development Programme.
The programme was attended by Yumnam Joybala Devi, wife of Hon’ble Chief Minister; Chairman of Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Co-operative Limited and MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha Singh; MLAs Sapam Nishikant Singh and Sanasam Premchandra Singh; Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur; Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai; senior Government officials and other dignitaries.
