Assam government has decided to buy 10 lakh Gamcha from local weavers on the occasion of Rongali Bihu this time. Giving information about this, Minister of Silk Department UG Brahma said that more than five lakh Gamcha have been bought so far. He has appealed to the people of the state not to buy Gamcha made from powerloom and support local weavers.
Assamese Gamchha will also be presented to the President and the PM
Minister Brahma said that the aim of the government is to empower the local weavers and make Assamese Gamchha popular across the country. He said that this time before Bihu, Gamchha will be presented to many prominent personalities of the country including the President and the Prime Minister. He also said that the old stock has been exhausted and the weavers are now working hard day and night.
Action on powerloom gamchhas, raids conducted in markets
Expressing concern over the increasing availability of powerloom gamchhas in the market, the minister said that all the district magistrates have been instructed to seize such gamchhas. Silk department employees are also cooperating with the administration in this. Recently, large-scale raids have been conducted in Fancy Bazar and Maligaon areas of Guwahati and such action will continue in future as well.
People should come forward themselves and not buy powerloom gamchhas
UG Brahma said that eight types of gamchhas have received the GI tag, but many other types of gamchhas are also sold in the market, which are difficult for common people to identify. He admitted that people from outside the state bring cheap but poor quality powerloom gamchhas to Assam. He said that the government alone cannot stop this, people will also have to come forward for this. He appealed, “For your self-respect, avoid buying powerloom gamchhas. Handloom gamchhas are more durable and comfortable.”
