Manipur Chief Minister announces new handloom department at MANITEX 2026 to boost local artisans

Guwahati: Manipur Chief Ministe Yumnam Khemchand Singh has announced that the Government of Manipur is considering the establishment of an upgraded, full-fledged department exclusively dedicated to Handloom, Handicrafts and Textiles recognising the sector's importance to the State's economy and cultural identity.

The Chief Minister made the above statement while inaugurating the Manipur International Textile Expo (MANITEX) 2026 under the inspiring theme,” Weave for Togetherness, Many Threads, One Manipur,” at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi, Imphal.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted the significant contribution of the Handloom and Handicrafts sector to the economic growth of Manipur. He observed that the sector plays a vital role in promoting the State's identity and recognition at the global level, alongside its rich art & culture and sports.


Recalling his personal association with the handloom sector, the Chief Minister shared that his own mother was also a weaver and that he himself had delivered yarn to the Kongba area of Imphal East in the past. He said that his personal experience had given him an understanding of the hard work and dedication involved in the handloom sector.

He further stated that it would be incorrect to assume that the sector had not witnessed any growth, as progress and development continued to be seen in this sector. He emphasised the need to further strengthen and promote the sector to ensure greater opportunities and benefits for local artisans.

The Chief Minister also instructed the concerned Government authorities to ensure that the benefits of various Centrally Sponsored Schemes of the Government of India reach the artisans of the State effectively.

Singh also launched the MANITEX 2026 Official Mobile App and Coffee Table Book ‘Exploring Manipur Textile Design. He also distributed Awards for Crafts and Frame Looms & Accessories, Construction of Individual Workshed to Weavers under Imphal East Mega Handloom Cluster & Small Development Programme under National Handloom Development Programme.

Singh underscored the importance of Science and Technology in nation-building, stating that the active participation and contribution of the country’s emerging youths are essential to strengthen the sector and realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the inaugural function of INNOTECH FEST 2.0, organised by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Manipur, in collaboration with the Manipur Innovation Foundation, at Manipur Science Centre, Takyelpat, Imphal. The two-day festival is being held under the theme, “Innovate - Create - Connect”.

Emphasising the need for integrity in public service, Yumnam Khemchand Singh stated that those holding positions of power and leadership in the Government must remain honest and sincere in their efforts towards the development of the State and the nation.

The Chief Minister noted that the prevailing law & order situation in the State has compelled him to spend 50 percent of his time in resolving the crisis since assuming office. He stated that he spent nearly eight hours a day thinking about ways to address the issues confronting the State and find solutions to the prevailing challenges. He added that this leaves him with limited time to focus on developmental works.

The Chief Minister stated that the agriculture sector remains the largest contributor to Manipur’s economy. He said that the Government has taken steps to ensure the smooth and timely distribution of subsidised urea fertilisers to farmers.

Recalling the recurring complaints regarding the distribution of urea fertilisers to the farmers in previous years, Shri Khemchand Singh said that he had personally called the concerned officers of the Agriculture Department to enquire about the distribution mechanism. He also instructed the officials not to heed to any political pressure or influential individuals and ensure that the fertilisers reach the genuine beneficiaries.

Following the intervention and discussions with the department’s officers, the distribution process has been carried out smoothly this year, he said, adding that his Government has not received any complaints from farmers regarding the non-availability or non-distribution of subsidised urea fertilisers.

On the distribution of Rabi crop seeds, the Chief Minister stated that while seeds were generally distributed in February month in previous years, the Government has ensured their advance distribution beginning from October this year. The initiative is aimed at enabling farmers to undertake double-cropping system in a timely manner.

The Chief Minister also urged officials of the concerned departments to ensure the efficient implementation of projects funded by the Central Government and stressed the importance of submitting utilisation certificates on time.