New Delhi, Aug 9 (KNN) The Mission for Economic Empowerment of Traditional Artisans/Craftsman (Meetac) will be launched in Manipur very soon, said Thongam Biswajit Singh, Textiles, Commerce & Industries Minister.

Addressing the fourth National Handloom Day celebrations, he said “The main objective of the mission is to help attain self-employment and inclusive development besides economic empowerment of traditional artisans/craftsmen of the state and providing a market for finished products."

The program was organized by the directorate of handlooms and textiles, government of Manipur.

Highlighting the significance of National Handloom Day which commemorates the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, Biswajit Singh said the day is observed every year to promote products of weavers, artisans and craftsmen of Manipur.

He said, “The handloom industry is inherited tradition of our state."

Stating that Manipur has 3.09 lakh weavers, minister assured the weavers that the handloom industry would not suffer despite launch of the power loom as their products are different.

He announced that the Centre would start giving integrated cluster scheme from this year, acknowledging the performance and activities of Manipur's weavers.

Besides, he mentioned that the central schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana were launched to empower women of the country.

Guiding weavers to focus on innovative ideas, he announced that the government would give "design and excellence awards" from next year.

Also, a startup has been launched to solve the unemployment problem which focuses on educated unemployed youths, he added.

Advising officials of the directorate of handlooms and textiles, minister asked them to properly screen cards weavers while giving Mudra loans.

A logo of handloom and handicrafts was launched and a reference book, Manipur Handloom Development Program was released at the event.