Union Minister Giriraj Singh Promotes Textile Development in Northeast India

Strengthening the Textile Sector

Shillong, Dec 7: Giriraj Singh, the Union Minister for Textiles, recently emphasized the government's dedication to enhancing the textile value chain in the northeastern region, aiming to connect local production from cocoon to global markets.

During the inauguration of the Integrated Textile and Tourism Centre (ITTC) in Nongpoh, located in the Ri Bhoi district, Singh remarked, “The Northeast represents the pride of India’s textile legacy, known for its Muga, Eri, and exceptional traditional weaving.”

He affirmed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the government is focused on bolstering this vital sector.

The ITTC is designed to be a comprehensive platform for training, design innovation, silk processing, product diversification, and tourism, which will help artisans tap into both national and international markets, Singh explained.

He pointed out that the Indian government is rolling out various initiatives to assist handloom clusters, enhance raw material access, modernize weaving technologies, and promote natural fibers on a global scale.

“India uniquely produces various types of silk, including Muga, Tasar, Mulberry, and Eri. If Meghalaya and other northeastern states enhance their Muga and Eri production, India could emerge as a global leader, especially as other nations transition to synthetic materials,” he added.

Singh also highlighted a livelihood initiative from the Ministry, stating, “I aim to ensure that every weaver earns Rs 50,000 per month. We have devised a roadmap for this and will implement it in Meghalaya with the cooperation of the State Government.”

Additionally, the Union Minister announced plans to establish a weavers’ service center (WSC) in Meghalaya, contingent upon land allocation by the State government, noting that currently, the Northeast has only one such facility in Guwahati.