KOHIMA, Mar 13: 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 13th March 2025.
The program was chaired by Er. Nungsanginla Longkumer, Assistant Director (I&C), while Rev. Jehoto Yeptho, Pastor of Darogajan Sumi Baptist Church, led the invocation.
Er. Asenla Walling, Executive Engineer (I&C), 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 program, 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 enrollment 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.
Speaking at the launch of the Special Cluster Development Programme (SCDP) under NHDP in Dimapur, MLA & Advisor, Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, called the 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, she 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
Short speeches were also delivered by Sarbeswar Das, Assistant Director (P) & HOO, Weavers Service Centre, Dimapur, and P. Tokugha Sema, Director of Industries & Commerce.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by N. Abeno Patton, Functional Manager, DIC Dimapur. (DIPR)