Restoration of normalcy top priority: New Manipur CS

Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, who recently took charge as chief secretary of restive Manipur, on Thursday, reiterated that restoration of peace and normalcy as the top priority of state administration under President’s Rule.
Goel – a 1991-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer was on July 16, 2025 appointed as the new chief secretary of Manipur.
He is the fourth officer to lead the state since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023. He took charge from outgoing CS Prashant Kumar Singh on July 21 last.
Goel made his first public address as the chief secretary of the restive state at the celebration of the National Handloom Day held in Imphal’s City Convention Centre. The National Handloom Day was celebrated under the theme “Threads of Traditions: Weaving Culture Through Handlooms.”
The chief secretary said the state administration under the PR has been giving utmost emphasis on restoration of peace and normalcy in the state, while expressing strong confidence that it will be achieved with the active support of the people from all sections of the society.
The violent conflict that has been besieging Manipur for the last more than two years has claimed more than 260 lives besides rendering homeless to over 60,000 people.
Amid the protracted violent conflict, the Centre imposed PR in the state on February 13, three days after N Biren Singh resigned as the chief minister on February 9. The chief secretary highlighted the importance of National Handloom Day, calling it “a special occasion to celebrate the creativity, self-reliance, and invaluable contributions of our weavers and artisans.”
He emphasized the strong social and cultural identity embedded in Manipur’s weaving traditions.
“From the vibrant Phanek and the elegant Moirang Phee to the intricate WangkheiPhee, each handloom product tells a story—a narrative of heritage passed down through generations,” he said.
He said that more than 2.5 lakh handloom workers, the majority of them women, contribute to this vibrant sector. Their skills and dedication have earned Manipur a well-deserved place on India’s handloom map. “Our state proudly boasts over 750 unique design motifs and 26 recognized handicrafts,” he added.
Goel said that the state government has prioritized the handloom and handicrafts sector as a key driver of inclusive development.
In collaboration with the Union ministry of textiles, several schemes were being implemented to support artisans and promote the industry, he said.
“The government is also working to integrate traditional skills with digital tools, enabling artisans to access wider markets through e-commerce platforms, digital payments, and social media branding,” he said.
In addition, weavers were being provided with looms and accessories free of cost under various schemes. Subsidized yarns, GI registrations, and national and international branding efforts were also underway to uplift indigenous designs, he added.
The chief secretary also acknowledged the existing challenges, including limited access to credit, marketing gaps, raw material shortages, and the need for modern design training.
He encouraged collaborations between designers and artisans to foster innovation while preserving traditional identities.
Attending the event, additional chief secretary (textiles, commerce & industry), Anurag Bajpai expressed that this day commemorates the Swadeshi Movement 1905, which ignited the powerful so-called “self-reliance”.
“It is a tribute to all the countless weavers across our nation,” he said before adding that for Manipur, “this day holds even greater significance, as our state has long been a cradle of exquisite handloom and handicraft traditions.”
“Handloom is not merely a source of livelihood. It is a symbol of India’s civilizational legacy, a canvas of our rich diversity, and a pillar of rural and women-led economies,” he said.
The sector represented sustainability, creativity, and community-based enterprise—values deeply aligned with the ethos of Manipur’, he added.
The main highlights of today’s event was the screening of a film on “Manipur: Threads of Heritage, Hands of Prosperity”, released of a book – From Loom to Legacy: Crafts Story of Manipur.
Many eminent artisans and national awardees in the field, top officials of the start handloom, textiles and commerce & industries were among others who attended the event.