Second High-Level Task Force Meeting on Handloom and Handicrafts
A significant meeting aimed at promoting handloom and handicrafts in the North Eastern Region (NER) took place on September 24, 2025. Chaired by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the virtual gathering included Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and various dignitaries from the region. The meeting focused on unlocking the potential of the handloom and handicrafts sector, with a commitment to collaborative efforts and strategic planning to enhance economic growth in the area.
Key Action Points for Development
During the meeting, Minister Scindia outlined six crucial action points to develop the handloom and handicrafts sector. These include Product Identification, Cluster-Based Development, Market Linkages, Common Facility Centers (CFCs), Roadmap Development, and Gap Analysis with Public-Private Participation. The aim is to create a structured approach to harness the untapped resources in the region. Scindia emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Textiles and the eight northeastern states, proposing the formation of dedicated state-level working groups. These groups would work on pilot projects to identify and promote iconic handloom and handicraft products from each state, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Collaborative Efforts and Roadmap
The Union Minister stressed the necessity of a whole-of-government approach to develop this vital sector. He called for coordination between the Ministry of Textiles and state governments to create tailored plans that cater to local artisans. Scindia proposed a phased development strategy, with initial plans focusing on identifying key products within one year, followed by more extensive plans over three and five years. This structured approach aims to not only promote the unique offerings of each state but also to enhance the visibility of NER’s handloom and handicrafts on a larger scale.
Challenges and Insights from State Representatives
The meeting also provided a platform for state representatives to share their insights and challenges. Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted the need for stronger collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of DONER and MSMEs, to fully realize the potential of the handloom and handicraft sector. Assam’s Minister of Sports, Nandita Garlosa, pointed out that marketing remains a significant hurdle for northeastern states. Additionally, Anurag Bajpai, Additional Chief Secretary of Manipur, raised concerns about the availability of raw materials for artisans, high transportation costs, and the need for soft skills training and digital literacy. He also emphasized the limited access to global markets for northeastern artisans and called for subsidies to support logistics.
Continuing the Momentum
This meeting follows the inaugural High-Level Task Force meeting held on July 22, 2025, marking a continued commitment to promoting handloom and handicrafts in the NER. The discussions and proposed initiatives reflect a collective effort to revitalize the traditional textiles sector, ensuring that the rich cultural heritage of the region is preserved and showcased to the world. With a clear roadmap and collaborative spirit, stakeholders are optimistic about the future of handloom and handicrafts in the North Eastern Region.
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