Revival of Monpa Handmade Paper

• 01 Jan 2021

Why in News

Recently, the Monpa Handmade Paper (1000-year old heritage art) of Arunachal Pradesh has been revived by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).

Key Points

• About Monpa Handmade Paper:
  
  • The fine-textured handmade paper, which is called Mon Shugu in the local dialect, is integral to the vibrant culture of the local tribes in Tawang.
  • The paper has great historic and religious significance as it is the paper used for writing Buddhist scriptures and hymns in monasteries.
  • The Monpa handmade paper is made from the bark of a local tree called Shugu Sheng, which has medicinal values too.
• Monpa Handmade Paper Industry:
  
  • The art of making Monpa handmade paper originated over 1000 years ago. Gradually the art became an integral part of local custom and culture in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Once produced in every household in Tawang, this handmade paper was a major source of livelihood for the locals.
  • The handmade paper industry almost disappeared in the last 100 years.
• Revival Program:
  
  • An attempt for the revival of this handmade paper industry was made in 1994 but failed.
  • KVIC commissioned a Monpa handmade paper making unit in Tawang which not only aimed at reviving the art but also engaging the local youths with this art professionally and earn.
  • The revival is aligned with the Prime Ministers Mantra of Vocal for Local.
• Future Programs:
  
  • Tawang is also known for two other local crafts:
    
    • Handmade pottery
    • Handmade furniture
  • KVIC announced that within six months plans will be rolled out for revival of these two local arts.
    
    • Revival of handmade pottery will be taken up on priority under Kumhar Sashaktikaran Yojana very soon.
      
      • Kumhar Sashaktikaran Yojana (KSY): It was launched in 2018 to strengthen and improve the living of potters in the country by making them self reliant.

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)

• KVIC is a statutory body established under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act, 1956.
• The KVIC is charged with the planning, promotion, organisation and implementation of programmes for the development of Khadi and other village industries in the rural areas in coordination with other agencies engaged in rural development wherever necessary.
• It functions under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Source: PIB