TEZU, Oct 14: 

Ever so often, there have been talks about reviving the traditional handloom sector but the government’s plan has hardly translated into real action on the ground.

A visit to the lone government run Handloom & Handicraft centre in Lohit district is a ‘tell-all’ about government apathy towards promotion of traditional weaves. This despite, the fact that many rural women are eager to make this a source of livelihood.

ADT&H, S Battacharjee is disheartened at the overall dilapidated nature of things.

‘Everything is on the verge of collapse. Being one of the oldest buildings, it requires much attention. Roofs are leaking, floor and wall are in worst shape. We prepared an estimate to avail funds for renovation but failed due to indifference of the concern authority’, he laments.

This institute if given proper funds could groom rural unemployed youths in skill development to make them entrepreneurs and empowered thus uplifting the rural economy as well as promotion of handloom, he opines.  

A trainee from interior Anjaw, Ringki Malo says she is willing and interested in weaving but government assistance in negligible.Worried over the substandard infrastructure, another trainee Jumila Krong it is pertinent to introduce modern equipment for weaving.

‘Other than conventional loin and fly shutters loom, synthetic and modernized loom with latest design technology is the need of the hour to cope with market demand and for preservation of traditional Arunachal handloom,’ suggest other trainees.

An official who wished to stay anonymous disclosed that the centre has witnessed increase in number of trainees thanks to hike in the stipend amount under the late Kalikho Pul government which had been increased from Rs 550 to Rs 3000 monthly. 

‘More such incentive is needed to promote handloom & handicraft in this state,’ he asserted.

Presently, under the ongoing vocational courses sponsored by the government, over 16 women from both Anjaw and Lohit district are receiving training in Weaving & Knitting.

‘Every year we admit fresh candidates to teach & instruct them on weaving traditional garments. It has huge market demand,’ informs Craft Superintendent, PB Deori.                       

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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