Manipur CM Khemchand Announces Separate Department for Handloom and Handicrafts Sector
Imphal, November 5, 2026: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has announced plans to establish a separate Handloom and Handicrafts Department in Manipur to strengthen the rural economy and support thousands of weavers and artisans across the state.
The announcement was made on Thursday during the inauguration of the Manipur International Textile Expo (MANITEX) at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi. The expo, which will continue until November 9, is being organised under the theme “Weave for Togetherness: Many Threads, One Manipur” to promote the diverse textile traditions of the state.
The handloom and handicrafts sectors play a significant role in supporting women’s economic independence, with women accounting for over 70 per cent of Manipur’s handloom weavers and allied workforce.
Officials highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous art forms and traditional weaving techniques, including centuries-old practices recognised with Geographical Indication (GI) tags. These traditional skills cannot be replicated through automated machinery and also offer opportunities for sustainable economic development.
The state government is implementing various National Handloom and Handicrafts Development Programmes to improve artisans’ livelihoods through raw material subsidies, improved looms, credit facilities and social security support.
The ongoing MANITEX features more than 115 exhibition stalls, including 15 showcasing traditional products and crafts of different tribal communities. Products made by internally displaced persons (IDPs) are also being displayed, providing them with opportunities to showcase their skills and access wider markets.
Visitors can additionally witness live demonstrations of traditional Thambal and Kihom weaving techniques, highlighting Manipur’s rich textile heritage.
The proposed separate department is expected to provide dedicated institutional support for the development of the handloom and handicrafts sectors, preservation of traditional craftsmanship and expansion of livelihood opportunities across the state.
