Handloom equipment handover in Nagaland boosts rural livelihoods and empowers women across three villages through CSR initiative.
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DIMAPUR — A significant step toward strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting women’s empowerment was marked on Tuesday with the inauguration-cum-asset handover of handloom and textile equipment to women beneficiaries from Tsithrongse, Murise, and Urra villages, Chümoukedima district.
The programme, held at the Tsithrongse Village Council Hall, was organised by the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland with support from Indian Oil Corporation Limited under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The project aims to enhance sustainable livelihood opportunities while strengthening the handloom and textile ecosystem in rural Nagaland, the IDAN stated in a press release.
Addressing the gathering, Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor for Industries & Commerce, acknowledged IDAN and IOCL for their continued support through impactful CSR interventions in the state.
She encouraged beneficiaries to make optimal use of the equipment to enhance their skills, build sustainable livelihoods, and seek guidance from the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission to strengthen their entrepreneurial journey.
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In his welcome address, Vineet Kumar, Additional Secretary (Finance) and IDAN, emphasised the importance of convergence between government institutions, corporate partners, and local communities in driving inclusive and sustainable development.
He noted that the initiative represents a focused effort to strengthen grassroots enterprises and enhance the value of traditional handloom practices.
Nitin Bhatnagar, Executive Director and State Head of IOCL (AOD), Guwahati, highlighted that as a profitable enterprise, IOCL recognises its responsibility to give back to society through meaningful initiatives.
He lauded the innate craftsmanship of Naga women and encouraged beneficiaries to effectively utilise the provided equipment to improve their livelihoods. He also expressed optimism for continued collaboration to further support community development and women’s empowerment.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Akali Yeptho expressed gratitude to IDAN and IOCL for the support.
She stated that the initiative marks not the end, but the beginning of their journey toward economic empowerment, and conveyed eagerness to further upskill through training programmes and workshops.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by I Changsang. The event was chaired by Dr Nchumbeni Ovung and included the formal handover of assets to beneficiaries along with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
The occasion also marked the launch of the IDAN CSR Chronicle magazine.
The event witnessed participation from IDAN officials, IOCL representatives, village councils, and community members from the three villages.
“This initiative is expected to significantly contribute to strengthening rural livelihoods, promoting women-led enterprises, and preserving the rich handloom traditions of Nagaland, while reinforcing the role of CSR as a catalyst for inclusive development,” the update added.