Can the DoNER Minister Scindia Unleash the NE's Fashion Potential?

New Delhi/Kohima, July 22 (NationPress) Union Minister for Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday emphasized the northeast's exceptional capacity to spearhead India's sustainable fashion movement, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Fashion for Environment and Empowerment'.

During a high-profile task force meeting aimed at enhancing the handloom and handicrafts sector in the northeast, the DoNER Minister also underscored the region's eco-friendly traditions, artisanal legacy, and top-notch craftsmanship.

"The northeast should capitalize on its rich heritage in handlooms and handicrafts to create job opportunities, inspire innovation, and showcase India’s cultural identity on the global platform," stated Union Minister Scindia.

The virtual meeting was led by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and included Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Assam Handloom and Textiles Minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma, along with senior officials from Manipur and the Union governments.

DoNER Minister Scindia presented a strategic initiative aimed at modernizing the sector through improved infrastructure, digital integration, and skill enhancement.

Key measures include establishing artisan clusters, creating Common Facility Centres, and selecting 2–3 flagship products from the region for national promotion.

The strategy focuses on market readiness by aligning Self-Help Groups with international standards, developing a grassroots value chain, and empowering local crafts to flourish at both national and international levels, as per an official statement.

The task force meeting centered on revitalizing the Handicrafts and Handlooms ecosystem through targeted actions such as enhanced market access, technology usage, capacity building, and sustainable livelihood generation.

The task force aims to collaborate with all stakeholders to elevate the Handicrafts and Handlooms sector as a pivotal element of sustainable growth and inclusive progress in the region.

Nagaland Chief Minister, following the meeting, expressed gratitude on X, acknowledging Union Ministers Scindia and Singh for their support towards the region's advancement.

"I urge all states to act swiftly and adhere to the timelines set forth in the draft document," Chief Minister Rio remarked.

In another post on X, he said: "We convened a meeting of the High-Level Task Force on Handloom and Handicrafts in the NER. The discussions were productive and provided us with essential insights to advance the sector. The ideas exchanged will pave the way for robust, actionable plans to support and promote the sector across the NE states."

"Had a review session on the action plan for Nagaland with Hon'ble Union Minister, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia Ji. I appreciate his time, understanding, and valuable feedback. I look forward to his continued guidance and support to ensure development reaches every corner of the State," the Chief Minister noted in another post.

The DoNER ministry had established several High-Level Task Forces to pinpoint key interventions and devise actionable short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies for the integrated development of the North East Economic Corridor.

The High-Level Task Forces were formed following the 72nd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) held in November last year in Agartala.