Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, on Tuesday reaffirmed the Northeast’s potential to lead India’s handloom and handicrafts revolution, calling the region a “torchbearer” of sustainable fashion.
Scindia made these remarks during a high-level task force meeting convened in Nagaland to strengthen the handloom and handicrafts sector of the Northeast. The meeting was chaired by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and attended by Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Assam’s Minister for Handloom & Textiles Urkhao Gwra Brahma, senior officials from the Government of Manipur, Ministry of DoNER, and the Government of India.
Highlighting the alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Fashion for Environment and Empowerment,’ Scindia noted the Northeast’s legacy of eco-friendly practices and artisanal excellence.
He said, “The Northeast must leverage its rich heritage in handlooms and handicrafts to generate livelihoods, foster innovation, and position India’s cultural legacy on the global stage.”
Union Minister Giriraj Singh assured that the Ministry of Textiles will act on suggestions from Northeast states “with full commitment and coordination,” ensuring that the region’s art, culture, and artisans gain global visibility.
The meeting outlined a roadmap to revitalize the sector through targeted interventions including enhanced market access, technology integration, skill development, and sustainable livelihood creation. Scindia unveiled key initiatives such as the creation of artisan clusters, Common Facility Centres, flagship product branding, and aligning Self-Help Groups with international standards to boost global competitiveness.
The task force aims to transform the region’s crafts ecosystem into a pillar of inclusive and sustainable development.
Rio thanks Scindia, Singh
After chairing the meeting of the High-Level Task Force on Handloom & Handicrafts in the NER, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced on X that the discussions were fruitful and provided valuable insights to take the sector forward.
“The ideas shared will lead to strong, practical plans to support & promote the sector across the NE states,” Rio said.
He also thanked Union Minister for Communications and MDoNER Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh for their support towards the region’s progress. “I request all the states to take prompt action & adhere to the timelines of the draft document,” Rio added.
Scindia, Rio hold review meeting
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, on Tuesday said focused discussions were held with Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to advance key sectors of the state’s economy, including coffee cultivation, handloom and handicrafts, and tourism.
After the meeting, Scindia shared on social media that it was the second review held with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, along with state officials and the Ministry of DoNER team, to chart progress toward a “Viksit Nagaland.”
He said the meeting included deliberations on supporting Nagaland’s growing coffee industry and promoting its vibrant traditional crafts sector. “The team also deliberated on leveraging tourism, especially in the run-up to the iconic Hornbill Festival as a catalyst for economic growth and livelihood opportunities,” Scindia added.
The Union Minister also stated that the team followed up on investment opportunities discussed during the recent Rising Northeast Investors Summit and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to the saturation-based development of Vibrant Villages.
Scindia had earlier participated in a high-level task force meeting to promote the handloom and handicrafts sector across the Northeast, with Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as chair.