Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Manipur is moving to create a full-fledged department for Handloom, Handicrafts, and Textiles. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced the plan on November 5 during the inauguration of the Manipur International Textile Expo (MANITEX) 2026. The new body will replace the current division operating under the Trade, Commerce and Industries Department.
The expo at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi, runs until November 9. Its theme is "Weave for Togetherness, Many Threads, One Manipur." The event features over 115 stalls. These include 15 booths displaying tribal crafts and products made by internally displaced persons. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of ancestral Thambal and Kihom weaving techniques.
Singh noted the sector's growth and economic importance. He shared his history with the trade. "My mother was a weaver," Singh said. He once delivered yarn to the Kongba area of Imphal East. He claimed this experience provided him with a deep understanding of the work involved.
The government aims to protect traditional practices, including centuries-old techniques with Geographical Indication status. Women make up over 70 percent of the state's weaving workforce. The administration is pushing for better distribution of Central government-sponsored schemes. These programs provide raw material subsidies, credit access, and social security for artisans.
During the program, the Chief Minister launched the MANITEX 2026 mobile app and a coffee table book titled Exploring Manipur Textile Design. He also distributed awards and equipment. This included support for frame looms, accessories, and individual worksheds for weavers under the Imphal East Mega Handloom Cluster and National Handloom Development Programme.
Attendees included the Chief Minister’s wife, Yumnam Joybala Devi; MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha Singh; MLAs Sapam Nisikanta Singh and Sanasam Premchandra Singh; Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur; and Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai.
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