Manipur considers separate department for handloom and textiles
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced the proposal during the inauguration of the Manipur International Textile Expo 2026 in Imphal.
The Manipur government is considering the creation of a dedicated department for handloom, handicrafts and textiles, according to a report by The News Mill.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh made the announcement while inaugurating the Manipur International Textile Expo (MANITEX) 2026 at Urban Haat in Nilakuthi, Imphal. The sector is currently managed by the trade, commerce and industries department.
Singh stated that handloom and handicrafts contribute significantly to the state economy and help promote Manipur's international identity. He called for increased support to expand opportunities for local artisans and directed authorities to ensure centrally sponsored schemes reach them effectively.
During the event, the Chief Minister launched the MANITEX 2026 mobile app and a coffee-table book titled Exploring Manipur Textile Design. The expo also featured craft awards and provided assistance for weavers through the Imphal East Mega Handloom Cluster and the National Handloom Development Programme's Small Development Programme.
The Chief Minister noted that his personal family history with weaving helped him understand the sector's requirements. Attendees included Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Co-operative Limited chairman and MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha Singh, several MLAs, and senior officials including Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur.