Posted On:
02 NOV 2026 4:34PM by PIB Imphal
Manipur University on Monday inaugurated a Six-Day Residential Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) for member-artisans of Handicrafts Producer Companies of Manipur, with an emphasis on transforming traditional craftsmanship into sustainable enterprises through modern business skills, digital marketing, financial management and wider market access.
The programme, organised by the Department of Vocational Studies and Skill Development (DVSSD), Manipur University, from November 2 to 7, is sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), North Eastern Regional Office (NERO), Guwahati, under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, in coordination with the Handicrafts Service Centre, Porompat, Imphal.
The inaugural function was held at the Training Hall, DVSSD, New Social Science Block, Manipur University, with Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, as Chief Guest. Prof. Memcha Loitongbam, Dean, School of Social Sciences, and Smt. Pampa Karmakar, Assistant Director (Handicrafts), Handicrafts Service Centre, Porompat, attended as Guests of Honour. Dr. Nambram Amulkumar, Head, DVSSD, presided over the function.
A total of 20 registered artisans from six Handicrafts Producer Companies are participating in the programme. The participating companies are Heeri Konba Handloom & Handicraft, Loijing Loya Handicraft, Gyanis Handicraft, Kauna Eastern Company Limited, Aahenba and Citizen Welfare Handicraft Producer Companies.
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh appreciated the Department for organising the programme and stressed that artisans must move beyond traditional production practices to develop the entrepreneurial capabilities necessary to compete in modern markets.
He observed that training in enterprise development, financial management, GST, credit facilities, marketing and export management would help artisans address the practical challenges of running their businesses.
Emphasising the need for wider market access, he urged artisans not to confine their products to Manipur alone but to explore opportunities in other states and international markets. He encouraged participants to interact freely with resource persons, document the training sessions and share the knowledge gained with fellow artisans after returning to their respective enterprises.
Referring to the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the Vice-Chancellor stressed that entrepreneurship requires determination, continuous learning and individual initiative. He observed that artisans must demonstrate their skills and capabilities through the quality and marketability of their products.
Speaking as Guest of Honour, Smt. Pampa Karmakar highlighted the Ministry of Textiles' interest in developing closer institutional linkages between universities and traditional handicraft entrepreneurs.
She disclosed that the Ministry was exploring the possibility of introducing a specialised academic course in traditional arts and crafts at Manipur University. She proposed an institutional consultation involving the University's faculty members and administration to examine the academic and infrastructural requirements for such a programme.
She informed the gathering that a structured questionnaire would be provided to the University to facilitate the consultation process. She also referred to an upcoming national-level programme where the University's suggestions could be presented before senior Ministry officials for further consideration.
Emphasising Manipur's rich artistic and handicraft traditions, Smt. Karmakar observed that academic institutions possess theoretical expertise while practising artisans bring valuable field experience. A stronger partnership between the two, she said, could promote skill development, innovation and entrepreneurship. She also indicated the possibility of Ministry support for a crafts-based academic initiative, subject to further consideration.
She encouraged participants to actively discuss their business challenges with resource persons and make full use of the practical exercises and case studies incorporated into the training programme.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Kangjam Mukhara Devi, Faculty, DVSSD, emphasised that entrepreneurship is not merely about establishing a business or making investments but also about creating employment and contributing to the wider economy.
She observed that successful entrepreneurship requires a supportive ecosystem involving finance, technology, market access and institutional guidance. While Manipur possesses considerable traditional skills, artisans need appropriate business knowledge and training to convert their ideas and craftsmanship into commercially viable enterprises.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and practising artisans, she called for interactive learning that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience. She also welcomed the possibility of introducing a crafts-related academic course with support from the Ministry of Textiles.
In his presidential address, Dr. Nambram Amulkumar, Head of DVSSD, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Textiles and its North Eastern Regional Office for supporting two Entrepreneurship Development Programmes at the University.
He informed the gathering that another six-day EDP for handicraft artisans is scheduled to be organised from November 16 to 21, 2026.
Dr. Amulkumar said the Department had interacted with the participating artisans earlier in the day to identify their existing challenges, particularly in marketing, financial management, production efficiency and resource utilisation.
He further highlighted the University's incubation facilities and technical equipment, and encouraged artisans to utilise the available resources for product development and enterprise-related activities.
Assuring continued institutional support, he stated that the Department's engagement with the artisans would not end with the six-day training. Participants could continue approaching the University for technical guidance, knowledge-sharing and access to available facilities.
He also emphasised that financial assistance alone cannot ensure entrepreneurial success without proper planning, patience, determination and sustained effort.
The six-day residential programme covers entrepreneurship and enterprise development, marketing and product design, financial literacy, banking, GST and credit management, digital marketing, e-commerce, export management and legal compliance for producer companies. At the inaugural programme, various handloom and handicrafts products from the artisans were also displayed.
Participants will receive exposure to online platforms such as India Handmade and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), digital payments, product photography, export documentation and business planning. The training will also include practical exercises and case studies to help artisans apply the knowledge to their respective enterprises.
The inaugural programme included an address by Prof. Memcha Loitongbam, Dean, School of Social Sciences. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Kangjam Mukhara Devi, Faculty, DVSSD.
The function concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Huidrom Jiten Kumar Singh, Faculty, DVSSD, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, sponsoring Ministry, Handicrafts Service Centre, resource persons, organisers and participating artisans for their support and cooperation.
The programme reflects Manipur University's commitment to skill development, community engagement and livelihood-oriented education while supporting the Ministry of Textiles' efforts to strengthen traditional handicraft enterprises, expand market opportunities and promote sustainable livelihoods among artisans in Manipur.
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