An Awareness & Distribution Program for Handloom Sector Support (HSS) items, including looms, accessories, and lighting units under the Small Cluster Development Program (SCDP), was held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at ICM Hall, Toluvi, Dimapur.
The program was chaired by Er Nungsanginla Longkumer, Assistant Director (I&C), while Rev Jehoto Yeptho, Pastor of Darogajan Sumi Baptist Church, led the invocation.
Er Asenla Walling, Executive Engineer (I&C), briefed the gathering on the objectives and implementation of the scheme. She highlighted the Special Cluster Development Programme (SCDP) under NHDP, funded by the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), which aims at the holistic development of weavers in Dimapur. The initiative covers four villages—Baman Pukhri A, Baman Pukhri B, Darogajan, and Kushiabill—benefiting over 200 weavers.
Under the program, weavers will receive looms (frame looms and loin looms), solar lighting units, warping drums, and other essential equipment to enhance production. Key interventions include skill upgradation, product development, exposure visits, and financial assistance for work-sheds and lighting units. The scheme also mandates Aadhaar authentication during the enrollment process for beneficiaries. She further announced that the distribution of benefits will begin on Tuesday, aiming to empower local weavers and promote sustainable handloom development in Dimapur.
Speaking at the launch of the Special Cluster Development Programme (SCDP) under NHDP in Dimapur, MLA & Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, called the initiative the beginning of a larger effort to empower women weavers in Nagaland. She emphasized that the government’s role is to serve the people and that through training and distribution of equipment, it aims to equip weavers with the necessary skills for self-sustenance.
While training and equipment have been provided, Jakhalu urged weavers to focus on improving product design, quality, and marketing strategies to compete in larger markets. She assured that the government remains committed to further supporting weavers through advanced training in product design and refinement, helping Nagaland’s handloom industry gain global recognition.
Jakhalu also revealed that the department is developing a swaddle wrap designed and made in Nagaland as a unique brand. She encouraged weavers to embrace this opportunity and put in their best efforts. Expressing hope that the Dimapur cluster would serve as a model for other clusters, she motivated weavers to take full advantage of the support provided and elevate their craft.
During the event, frame looms, loin looms, solar lighting units, warping drums, and other essential equipment were distributed, along with certificates under the HSS initiative.
Short speeches were also delivered by Sarbeswar Das, Assistant Director (P) & HOO, Weavers Service Centre, Dimapur, and P. Tokugha Sema, Director of Industries & Commerce.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by N. Abeno Patton, Functional Manager, DIC Dimapur.