The Commerce & Industries opened a separate Directorate of Handlooms & Textiles on 30th December 2016 under Textiles, Commerce and Industries department at the Directorate Complex, Lamphel. Along with the inauguration of the Directorate, Handicraft museum and Handicrafts Cluster Projects under AHVY was also launched.

Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles was inaugurated by Govindas Konthoujam, Minister of Textiles, Commerce & Industry. Speaking at the occasion, Govindas stated that handloom and handicrafts is one sector which is closely associated with the culture, traditions and civilisation of Manipur apart from being a key economic sector. Opening of a separate directorate would definitely bring some positive changes in the particular sector, Govindas exuded confidence.

It is essential to highlight the handloom and handicraft products of the State at the international level. It was in view of this necessity that a separate directorate was opened at the advice of Chief Minister O Ibobi, Govindas said.

The Handlooms and Handicrafts Policy 2016 has been already framed. The policy aimed at selling 50 percent of the State's handloom and handicraft products to Government departments and 20 percent to private buyers, he informed the gathering.

He then appealed to all weavers of the State to focus on producing quality products. Govindas also appealed to artisans to concentrate on producing handicraft products which can be marketed profitably in addition to showcasing them in different exhibitions. The State Government would provide all possible assistance in their endeavours towards this end.

Winners of State Awards were also felicitated and the Handloom & Handicrafts Policy was also released during the function. Merit awards were also given 10 other handloom and handicraft persons and inspiration award to 10 others.

Incentives were also distributed to one State level handicraft cluster project and nine district level handicraft cluster projects.

Govindas Konthoujam, Minister of Textiles, Commerce & Industry, O Nabakishore Singh, IAS- Chief Secretary, L Lakher, IAS- Principal Secretary( Textile, Commerce & Industry) and B John Tlangtinkhuma, IAS- Director of Trade, Commerce & Industries were present on the occasion as Chief Guest, Special Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.