Assam CM Urges Everyone to Purchase Handloom Gamosas

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday appealed everyone to purchase handloom gamosas instead of powerloom.

While addressing the local artisans at the ceremonial event of Golden Silk Park and Trade Centre at Khanapara in Guwahati, CM Sarma said, “Artfed has been able to purchase as many as 1.5 lakh gamosas and the local artisans are getting fair price for these gamosas.”

He said the middlemen who were filling the gap between customers and artisans have been removed so that they can get the fair price without facing any loss.

CM Sarma informed that government is taking strong initiatives to ban powerloom gamosas and mekhela chadars in order to benefit the artisans of the state.

He further stated the Assam Muga silk, which is a pride of the state, has unique features and called for a change in its design.

The chief minister said, “Assam Muga silk has a unique characteristic and few changes should be bought in the design of Muga.”

Taking to twitter, CM Sarma wrote, “To support Assamese artisans, I appeal to each one of you to purchase handloom made Gamosas for the upcoming Bihu celebrations. If you see any selling powerloom Gamosas, I advise you to immediately alert local authorities.”

Appreciate Hon Minister for Textiles Shri @UGBrahma for his efforts in this endeavour.

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 1, 2023

The Golden Silk Park and Trade Centre has been set up Handloom and Textile Department.

CM Sarma said that the initiative will benefit all stakeholders of Assam’s famed silk industry.

Appreciate Hon Minister for Textiles Shri @UGBrahma for his efforts in this endeavour.

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 1, 2023

Also Read: Kamrup Metro Enforces Complete Ban of Powerloom 'Gamosas' and 2 Other Items

Earlier on March 1, the Assistant Director of Handloom and Textiles Department of Kamrup Metropolitan district had issued a written notice to the vendors of all textile establishments prohibiting the sale of powerloom Gamosas, Mekhela- Sador, Dokhana procured from outside the state with immediate effect.

The direction came in as a larger effort to raise awareness of the traditional weaving industry and discourage the use of machine-made products.

In the notification, the Handloom and Textiles Department, Kamrup Metro stated that under the Handloom (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act. 1985, the sale of gamosas, mekhela - sadars, dokhana etc. produced in powerlooms outside Assam is strictly prohibited.

The notice also stated that legal action will be taken against those who violate the ban and further encouraged the weavers to sell of handloom gomosas, mekhelas, sadars, dokhonas etc. manufactured by indigenous weavers in Assam.

Also Read: 16,000 Powerloom Gamosas Seized in Last 1 Year: Assam Textile Minister