PM’s push in ‘Mann ki Baat’ boosts sales of ‘Monpa’ handmade paper

New Delhi, Feb 3 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioning the ‘Monpa handmade paper’ of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh in his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ in January has led to a boost in its sales.
In a statement, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) said that on the very first day of its launch, more than 100 sheets of Monpa handmade paper were sold. The orders were received from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
The KVIC, which revived this ancient art in Tawang on December 25 last year, has made Monpa handmade paper available online through its e-portal.
“The handmade paper, handcrafted by trained local artisans in Tawang, was put on online sale on January 31 after the Prime Minister spoke about this ancient art. Monpa handmade paper is not only supporting environment protection but has also opened new avenues of income for the local artisans. The handmade paper sheet measuring 24-inch in length and 16-inch in width is priced economically at Rs 50 per sheet,” the KVIC said.
KVIC Chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena said that owing to its religious and cultural significance, the Monpa handmade paper has great market potential in India and abroad.
“On the first day of its online sale, we received orders for over 100 sheets. The Prime Minister’s appeal will definitely make this paper popular among the people. We will explore new market avenues for Monpa handmade paper that will strengthen this industry and local artisans in Arunachal Pradesh,” Saxena said.