The Directorate of Handloom and Textiles, under the Department of Textiles, Commerce and Industry, Manipur, has launched the SAMARTH Scheme of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, aimed at capacity building of weavers and artisans in the state.
The scheme was formally launched at an event held at Lamboikhongangkhong, Imphal, by Anurag Bajpai, Additional Chief Secretary (Textiles, Commerce & Industry). The event was attended by E. Jiten Singh, Director (Handloom & Textiles), Beauty Mili, Assistant Director (Design), Ministry of Textiles, as well as project managers, designers, Cluster Development Executives (CDEs), and textile designers.
Speaking at the launch, Bajpai highlighted the scheme’s significance in enhancing income opportunities for artisans and weavers through improved design skills, the use of natural dyes, better technology, and wider market access. He also underscored the need to form producer groups to take advantage of the UNNATI Scheme for enterprise development.
He further noted that transportation costs remain a challenge for artisans, and suggested that subsidies under the RAMP Scheme could help reduce this burden and improve product competitiveness. Bajpai also revealed that the state government is working on a time-bound project to develop a Textile Park to help organise and scale the textile sector in Manipur.
Director Jiten Singh detailed the components of the SAMARTH Scheme, including the trades covered and training targets. Initially, four trades—Apparel, Handloom Weaving, Hand Dyeing, and Kouna Craft—will be taken up at the Design Extension Centre, Porompat, and the Apparel & Garment Making Centre, Lamboikhongangkhong. Training for the first batch of 25 participants in sewing machine operation began today, with a 300-hour programme over 50 working days.
An exhibition showcasing new textile products, developed collaboratively by CDEs and Textile Designers as part of 35 ongoing Cluster Development Programmes across all districts of Manipur, was also held on the sidelines of the launch. Currently, one Mega Handloom Cluster in Imphal East and 34 other Cluster Development Programmes are being implemented. Since April 2025, 39 trained CDEs and designers have been tasked with creating at least one new design each month, many of which were on display at the exhibition.
