The Imphal East Handloom Cluster implemented in the year 2006 by the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, Guwahati has been sponsored by the Development Commissioner, Handloom, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. It is a three-year project that is expected to benefit 5,000 weavers of Wangkhei, Kongba, Khundrakpam, Khurai, Kong pal and Tangkhul Avenue in Imphal East. The geographical coverage is primarily based on legacy, viability, closes proximity to market/s, and concentration of skilled manpower.

IIE through its interventions has so far been successful in sensitising the weavers on issues relating to development of handloom products, has formed the Cluster Development Co-ordination Committee comprising of representatives from various government departments and stakeholders in the cluster and also has established a Business Information Centre for better coordination among the cluster actors. Besides, since initiation IIE has also successfully established Credit linkage facility between the cluster firms and banks. A yarn bank has also come up to meet the inadequacy in availability of raw material.

IIE has a three year experience in Integrated Handloom Cluster Development Programme of the Development Commissioner Handloom, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India in Imphal East district of Manipur. The Cluster was formally launched on 30th May, 2006 under the mandate of DC-Handloom and started operating since September, 2006.

Since its inception, 150 SHGs have been formed in the cluster covering 2,500 weavers. A total direct sale of Rs. 80.00 lakhs approximately have been generated by the cluster artisans so far by participating in various marketing events. In addition, the artisans have been able to generate orders worth Rs. 22.31 lakhs by participating in buyer seller meets and exhibitions in Mumbai, Chennai, Dehradun, Delhi and Guwahati.

For effective skill building, steps have been taken in design intervention with 150 new designs being introduced, organising dyeing workshops, organising exposure visits etc. Besides, training in improved looms like jacquard mounted looms have been imparted to the cluster artisans. Weavers, marketer/s and dyers were taken to Shantipur and Burdwan cluster for adoption of better weaving techniques.

The principal agencies which have contributed towards the success of the cluster also amplify the quality of collaboration achieved. 100 weavers under a cooperative society have received loans under DDHPY. 90 SHGs’ have achieved financial linkages. 852 weavers have been covered for health insurance under the Welfare scheme of DC Handloom. Another 500 weavers have been covered under the Life Insurance scheme of Birla Sun Life.

The cluster has successfully achieved the following:

1. Weavers and dyers have started practicing dyeing of yarn on both vegetable and chemical dyeing having dyeing capacity of an average of 15 Kgs per day
2. A yarn depot has been set up under the Mill Gate Price Scheme in coordination with the National Handloom Development Corporation. As the cost of yarn has been reduced the weavers are now enjoying a profit of 15% on selling price
3. A market consortium has been formed with the completion of its registration and is active right now
4. The construction work of CFC and Dye House is complete and have been inaugurated
5. A product gallery has been set at IIE Guwahati for the products of Imphal Handloom Cluster

Principal Agencies contributing to the success of the scheme

Central Government Agencies

1. DC (Handloom), Ministry of Textiles
2. National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC)

State Government

1. Weavers’ Service Centre, Imphal
2. DI, Government of Manipur
3. Department of Handlooms
4. Muthua Museum
5. Manipur University

Private Sector

1. Women’s Worth Organisation (Handloom Marketers)
2. Macha Leima (MFI under NEDFi)
3. Mrs. Memcha (Master Weaver)
4. Ningthibi Collection
5. Kos Zasha, Designer
6. R. Das (Designer, Textiles, NIID)
7. Mrs. Garima Hazarika, Consultant Designer
8. Sailex Ngairangbam, Fashion Designer
9. Mr. Sukumar, Local Designer       

The mutual efforts of the Central and State government organisations and agencies, and the private sector in the cluster are being discussed, revised and implemented through Cluster Development Coordination Group Meetings held at regular intervals.