Imphal: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh Saturday inaugurated eight days long Regional Saras Fair, 2021 at Iboyaima Shumangleela Shanglen, Palace compound, Imphal East. The Regional Saras Fair is being organized by Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Biswajit stated that at present the Manipur State Rural Livelihhoods Mission is functioning at 27 blocks covering more than 2500 households with an aim to empower women residing in the rural areas.
Minister Biswajit called for active participation from the Self-Help Groups and to attend capacity building training programmes. He also stressed the importance of involvement for increasing their livelihood.
He also highlighted the importance of Meetac and assured to impart capacity building to the Self Help Groups by the artisan of Meetac. Manipur is leading in every field in the entire north east, he added.
Minister also encouraged the SHGS to have patience and to work hard in order to achieved their goal.
He also highlighted various flagship programmes and schemes launched by the central Government for the welfare of the people. He said that Commerce and Industries department will provide value addition training and Meetac will provide capacity building training for the SHGS in order to increase their livelihood.
Minister Biswajit also called for empowering women as empowered women will play a key role in developing our societies.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman of Manipur Handlooms and Handicrafts Co-operation Limited, Sh Achouba Singh stated that the Regional Saras Fair provide platform for artisan and weaver to showcase their products and talents. And we need to promote and encourage the artisans and weavers of the State.
He maintained that in very district Manipur Handlooms and Handicrafts Co-operation Limited has opened yarn depot by providing yarn to the weavers at cheaper rate. He also announced that School Uniforms made by handlooms will be launched on April 6 at panthoibi Emporium located at Paona Bazar.
Chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board, L Radhakishor Singh called to revived our indigenous industries for sustainable development.
Altogether 150 stalls were opened at the Regional Saras Fair showcasing various of products of handlooms and handicrafts, edible items etc.
The inaugural function of the Saras fair was attended by State Mission Director Of Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission, Yumnam Robita, officials of MSRLM, members of various Self Help Groups among others.
