Smriti Irani Promises to Help in the Growth of Manipur Textile Industry

Union Minister of Textiles Smriti Irani, who visited Manipur to inaugurate a three-day Silk Expo and Workshop on “Silk Samagra”, has seen much possibilities and qualities of the textile industry of the state. Impressed and influenced by the proficiency of the weavers and the bright future of the textile industry of Manipur, the Union Minister promised to provide adequate support from the Government of India for the Manipur textile industry.

Irani inaugurated the Silk expo and workshop in the presence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Textiles, Commerce and Industries Minister Th. Biswajit. The expo takes place at Manipur Sericulture Project Management Complex, Sangaipat in Imphal East District.

Central government’s recent approval of Rs 22 crore for the establishment of an Eri Spinning Mill too is announced by the Union Minister which will contribute remarkably towards the expansion of silk industry in Manipur. The construction work of the mill will begin from next month.

Irani further spoke about the Mudra Yojana of the central government which is found to have helped the weavers to receive benefits and improve their income by 50 per cent. She, therefore, urged the state government to provide the weavers with the benefits of the scheme. Speaking about the expo ‘Silk Samagra’, she said that it is a Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiative which will help in enhancing the possibilities of exponential growth in the silk sector.

The Union Minister said, “It is an endeavour not only to enhance the income of farmers and weavers but also to ensure occupying the No. 1 position in silk production and cultivation in the world. India is now in the No. 2 position.”

A package of Rs 6,000 crore was also announced by the Government of India especially for the development of apparel and make-ups sector in the country. Pointing at the funds released by the previous and the present governments for the upliftment of the textile industry, she said that in 2013-14, the fund allocated under NERTPS was only Rs. 2.86 crore and in contrary to this, the NDA Government allotted Rs. 839 crore for the growth of textiles industry in the North East region. Adding to this, Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh said that the set up of the Iri mill is expected to give employment to around 2,500 people in the state.