New Delhi: A pivotal High-Level Task Force meeting on the promotion of handloom and handicrafts in the North Eastern Region (NER) was held on September 24, 2025, chaired by Nagaland Chief Minister Pu Neiphiu Rio. The virtual session garnered participation from Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, alongside chief ministers, ministers, and senior officials from the region and the Ministry of Textiles.
Government’s Commitment and Key Action Points
Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment to unlocking the Northeast’s vast handloom and handicrafts potential. He outlined six critical action points for sectoral development: product identification, cluster-based development, market linkages, common facility centers (CFCs), roadmap development, and gap analysis with public-private partnerships.
Collaborative and Phased Development Approach
Minister Scindia stressed the importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Textiles and the eight Northeastern states, proposing dedicated state-level working groups to pilot projects. The phased roadmap includes 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year plans, initially focusing on identifying at least one iconic handloom and handicraft product shared by all states and subsequently highlighting each state’s unique crafts. This effort aims to boost both economic growth and cultural preservation.
Addressing Challenges and Suggestions from States
State leaders and officials shared insightful perspectives on addressing key challenges, including marketing difficulties, raw material accessibility, artisan mapping, transportation costs, and digital literacy. Mizoram Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma emphasized enhanced collaboration with ministries and MSMEs. Assam’s Minister of Sports, Ms. Nandita Garlosa, pointed out marketing as a major barrier, while Manipur’s Additional Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Bajpai highlighted raw material scarcity and limited global market access.
Conclusion of Task Force Meeting
The meeting reinforced a “whole-of-government” approach to nurture the North East’s handloom and handicrafts sector. With a focus on market access, capacity building, and infrastructure development, this initiative aspires to showcase the vibrant traditions of Northeast India on a global platform and drive sustainable regional economic growth.
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Source: PIB
