Handloom expo

IMPHAL, Sep 4: A State Handloom Expo was opened today at GM Hall here. The expo is organised by the Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation Limited (MHH-DCL) under the sponsorship of the Commissioner of Handlooms, Ministry of          Textiles. Speaking at the inaugural function, MHHDCL Chairman and Lamlai AC MLA Khongbantabam  Ibomcha said that handloom and handicraft is the second biggest contributor to the State’s economy after agriculture.
Saying that Chief Minister N Biren has been working to develop the handloom and handicraft sector, Ibomcha informed that the Chief Minister has already started handloom and handicraft products of the State in his office as a part of promoting the same sector.
The Chief Minister has also instructed all Government departments to use handloom and handicraft products, he said.
Ibomcha said that it was the third expo organised by MHHDCL this year.
In every expo, the number of applicants seeking permission to open stalls far exceeded the number of stalls opened and it is a testimony of how the handloom and handicraft sector has been thriving in the State, the MHHDCL Chairman claimed. Appealing to all the people who did not get permission to open stalls not to be disheartened, Ibomcha said that the number of stalls would be raised in the next expo.
“I feel gratified on learning that handloom and handicraft products of the State are in high demand at National and international level expos or fairs”, he said.  
Apart from visiting the stalls, the Chairman also interacted with weavers and artisans.
Altogether 60 stalls are opened at the expo which would be held till September 17 under the theme ‘My Handloom, My Pride’. MHHDCL General Manager (Administration) Th Basanta and National Awardee (Handloom) K Medha too attended the inaugural function as presidium members.