DoNER and Textiles Ministries Push Collaborative Plan for Northeast Handloom and Handicrafts
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Institutions: Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) | Ministry of Textiles
The Second High-Level Task Force meeting on Promotion of Handloom & Handicrafts in the Northeast was convened on 24 September 2025. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia (DoNER) joined via video conference, along with the Chief Minister of Mizoram, senior officials from Assam, Manipur, and representatives from the Ministry of Textiles.
The meeting outlined six action points: product identification, cluster-based development, market linkages, common facility centers, roadmap development, and public-private partnerships. A phased strategy was proposed, beginning with the identification of at least one iconic handloom and handicraft product for all eight northeastern states, to be followed by state-specific plans. Scindia urged a whole-of-government approach, with pilot projects to be initiated by NovemberβDecember 2025. State representatives flagged persistent challenges, including raw material access, high transportation costs, digital literacy gaps, and limited global market reach.
This initiative is an attempt towards transforming the handloom and handicrafts ecosystem in the Northeast into an economic growth driver. By aligning DoNER and Textiles policies, the framework aims to integrate artisans into value chains, address structural barriers, and enhance the regionβs presence in domestic and global markets.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can India ensure that collaborative roadmaps for Northeast handloom and handicrafts translate into sustainable market access and improved livelihoods for artisans?
Follow the full news here: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2170892