DIMAPUR: In a significant step towards strengthening the livelihoods of women artisans trained under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, the Department of Women Resource Development (WRD), the Department of Industries & Commerce, and Mother’s Craft entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 5 to collaborate on the production, promotion and marketing of artisan products in Nagaland.
The MoU seeks to create sustainable market opportunities for products crafted by artisans of Mother’s Craft through institutional support and enhanced access, including sales via Myki, the marketing platform and physical store of WRD. The collaboration aims to strengthen the value chain for artisan made products by combining the strengths of the three parties in production, branding and promotion.
Delivering brief remarks, Er. Y. Lipongse Thongtsar, additional director, Industries & Commerce, highlighted the importance of inter departmental collaboration in creating livelihood opportunities for women artisans. He noted the strong synergies between the departments in textiles and handicrafts, making such partnerships vital for women led enterprises.
Vilone Sakhrie, director, WRD, appreciated the initiative and welcomed the partnership as an important step to support women entrepreneurs through improved market access and institutional backing.
A highlight of the programme was the recognition of Mother’s Craft as a success story under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. Formed in July 2024, the collective comprises 12 women artisans and homemakers from the first batch of Doll and Toy Makers trained under the scheme. Specialising in handcrafted crochet dolls and toys, the group has showcased its products at Delhi Haat, Hornbill Festival, Myki Store Fest, and serves customers across Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Haryana, Rajasthan and Kolkata.
During the programme, members of Mother’s Craft displayed their products, reflecting the creativity and craftsmanship nurtured under the scheme. The collective also promotes its products through Instagram under @mothers_craft_2025.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen market linkages for artisans through Myki and other promotional platforms, advancing the objectives of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme by supporting artisans beyond skill training and enabling sustainable livelihood opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
