An Awareness & Distribution Programme of Handloom Sector Support (HSS) items, including looms, accessories, and lighting units under the Small Cluster Development Programme (SCDP), was held on Thursday at ICM Hall, Toluvi, Dimapur on March 13.
According toa DIPR report, speaking at the launch of the Special Cluster Development Programme (SCDP) under NHDP in Dimapur, advisor Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, MLA called this 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 through this training and distribution of equipment, it aims to equip weavers with the skills needed to sustain themselves.
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.
The government is committed to supporting them through further training in product design and refinement to help Nagaland’s handloom industry gain global recognition, assured Hekani.
Jakhalu also revealed that the department is working on developing a swaddle wrap designed and made in Nagaland as a unique brand. She encouraged weavers to be ready for this opportunity and to put in their best efforts.
Expressing hope that the Dimapur cluster would set an example for other clusters, she motivated weavers to take full advantage of the support provided and elevate their craft to new heights. During the event, frame looms and loin looms, solar lighting units, warping drums, and other essential equipment and certificates were also included in the distribution of HSS items.
Executive Engineer (I&C), Er. Asenla Walling, briefed the gathering on the objectives and implementation of the scheme, and highlighted the Special Cluster Development Programme (SCDP) under NHDP, funded by the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), which aimed 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 programme, weavers will receive looms (frame looms and loin looms), solar lighting units, warping drums, and other essential equipment to boost 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 enrolment for beneficiaries. She also said that distribution of benefits will begin on Tuesday, aiming to empower local weavers and promote sustainable handloom development in Dimapur.
Short speeches were also delivered by assistant director (P) & HOO, Weavers Service Centre, Dimapur, Sarbeswar Das; and Director of Industries & Commerce, P. Tokugha Sema.
The programme was chaired by assistant director (I&C), Er. Nungsanginla Longkumer, while pastor of Darogajan Sumi Baptist Church Rev. Jehoto Yeptho, led the invocation. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Functional Manager, DIC Dimapur, N. Abeno Patton.