Biswajit launches SAMARTH

Imphal, Oct 17 (DIPR)
Commerce and Industries Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh launched a live streaming and training of SAMARTH, scheme for capacity building in textiles sector today at the Manipur Trade & Expo Centre, Lamboi Khongnangkhong.
Addressing the formal launching function, Biswajit said that Manipur is the first State to launch training under the scheme. He said the State signed an agreement on August 14, 2019 in the presence of Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani to take project SAMARTH and impart skill development to 25,000 youth in the State.
He said SAMARTH which is also known as the Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SCBTS) will provide demand driven placement oriented skills. He said the scheme aims to provide sustainable livelihood either by wage or self employment to all sections of the society.
The Minister continued that the scheme targets to provide skill development trainings to 25000 youths in batches in the State. He said that the authorities concerned should focus in imparting training at all the districts so as to encourage weavers of all districts. 
Biswajit said that the State has witnessed an increase in the number of weavers and looms over the years. Citing the fourth All India Handloom Census 2019-20, the Minister said the number of weavers has increased to 2,12,481 in 2019-20 from 2,04,319 weavers in 2009-10 and 2,11,148 looms in 2019-20 from 1,90,634 in 2009-10.
He said that the increase in number of weavers only shows the standing of handloom in the society.
Biswajit also observed that the handloom/textile sector is second to only agriculture as a source of livelihood.
Encouraging the youth, Biswajit said that no skilled labourer or worker will remain idle.
Seeking support and cooperation of all, Biswajit said that the department cannot survive alone and needs cooperation and sharing of ideas with all.
He also explained various schemes and programmes including Mission for Economic Empowerment of Traditional Artisans & Craftsmen (MEETAC), Delivery Scheme, among others. He also talked about the upcoming MANITEX.
Director Lamlee Kamei delivered the welcome address.
The programme was also attended by MHHDC Ltd. Chairman S Rajen Singh as president, KVIB, Chairman L Radhakishore Singh, MANIDCO Ltd Chairman Dr Radheshyam Yumnam and Kshetrigao A/C MLA Nahakpam Indrajit as guests of honour.
Principal Secretary (Textiles, Commerce and Industries) P Vaiphei attended the function as the chief host.