Manipur considers creating separate handloom and textiles department
Chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the sector currently falls under the trade, commerce and industries department.
The Manipur government is considering the establishment of a dedicated department for textiles, handicrafts and handloom, according to a report by The News Mill.
Chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced this while inaugurating the Manipur International Textile Expo (MANITEX) 2026 at Urban Haat in Nilakuthi, Imphal.
Singh stated that the sector currently operates under the trade, commerce and industries department and called for more support to increase opportunities for local artisans.
He noted that handloom and handicrafts contribute significantly to the state economy and help promote Manipur's international identity alongside sports, art and culture.
During the event, the chief minister introduced the MANITEX 2026 mobile application and a coffee-table book named Exploring Manipur Textile Design.
The expo also featured craft awards and support for weavers, including workshed construction and equipment under the National Handloom Development Programme's Small Development Programme and the Imphal East Mega Handloom Cluster.