Imphal: Thirty stalls meant for Manipuri artisans sat empty during a federal exhibition at Dilli Haat in New Delhi. The event, hosted by the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handicrafts, ran from April 16 to April 30, 2026. Organizers set aside the booths for the Manipur Khadi and Village Industries Board to highlight the state's traditional handloom and handicraft products. Instead, the space remained vacant. Local artisans claim they received no word about the event and never saw an invitation to apply.
The board's legal standing adds to the growing scandal. Officials constituted the body on October 28, 2022, but its three-year mandate lapsed on October 28, 2025. Despite the expired term, members continue to hold their seats and carry out official duties. A source confirmed, "A show-cause notice has reportedly been issued to the Vice-Chairman of KVIB Manipur over the alleged failure to display products of Manipuri artisans at the exhibition."
Questions now mount regarding who authorized the use of the stalls and what products actually occupied the space. If the board lacked the legal authority to act, then officials must explain who chose the exhibitors and where the resources went. Authorities must account for the missing participation to determine if public support for local crafts was diverted or simply wasted.
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