Third National Handloom Day celebrated across north-east

The third National Handloom Day was celebrated in Guwahati and Manipur. It was observed to encourage the weavers to showcase their crafts.

The observance function was jointly organised by officials from the Union Ministry of Textiles, and Assam Handloom on 7 August.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also attended the celebration.

"India comprises of at least 43 lakh weavers and 65 per cent of handloom weavers are in the north-east region. So, in a way, most of the handloom work in the entire country takes place here. The Centre is making effort to promote handloom, so that people remain connected to the tradition as well get an opportunity to earn their livelihood and look after their family," Union Minister of State for Textiles Ajay Tamta told ANI.

The event focussed on Assam weavers, who are known for producing Pat and Muga Silk. The Assam Government has announced an ambitious Muga Mission to increase production with a cost of Rs. 100 crore.

Over a thousands of weavers across the north-east participated in the celebration and were given weaver's identity cards by Sarbananda Sonowal.

"To empower the women is the prime objective of organising such an event. This is an abundant opportunity. People will have to rise up to the occasion. We all have to work in this regard and I think it is a great opportunity for us to work for the betterment of the weavers," said Sonowal.

During the occasion, it was announced that the Ministry of Textiles has entered into MoUs with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) whereby children of weavers shall be able to avail school and university education, with 75 per cent of the fees being borne by the central government.

Similarly, in a bid to promote handloom products of the state of Manipur and to uplift the living standard of the weavers National Handloom Day was celebrated at City Convention Centre, Palace Gate.

As part of the event, Works Minister Biswajit Singh released the Compendium of Handlooms and Textiles. Prizes to the best performing Handloom Clusters of Manipur were also handed over to Andro Cluster and Yarou Bamdiar Cluster. The prize carries a cash award of Rs. 50,000 and a citation. 

-ANI