A Staff Reporter
Dimapur, April 5
The much anticipated Apparel and Garment Making Centre supported by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Textiles (Independent Charge) Santosh Kumar Gangwar in the presence of State Chief Minister TR Zeliang and Additional Secretary Ministry of Textile, GoI Pushpa Subrahmanyam on Tuesday at District Industries Centre Complex, 6th Mile Dimapur.
The project for construction of Apparel and Garment Making Centres in north eastern states is one of the most ambitious projects launched in the textile sector by the Government of India, said Gangwar. It has the potential to change the landscape of the textile industry in North Eastern India and Nagaland has become a pioneer in this revolution in the region, the Union minister added. The government of India, he remarked, is committed to the development of Northeast India.
While pointing out handlooms to a deep-rooted tradition in Nagaland, the Minister said that the unique handloom designs and ornamentations are expressions of the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland. He added that the Ministry intends to take the cultural heritage beyond the borders giving international recognition through market linkage, technology upgradation and design inputs.
Gangwar observed that Nagaland can be a forerunner in silk quality and its promotion. The Minister said that in the last two years, the Ministry of Textiles has sanctioned three major sericulture projects to Nagaland, with Government of India support of Rs 101.25 crore. He said that these projects will support silk production in all three varieties—Eri, Muga and Mulberry silk—from plantation to finished product to marketing. He said that these projects are expected to help about 5000 farmers engaged in plantation of Eri, Muga and mulberry silk and would increase the overall production of quality silk by three times through various interventions.
“Development of apparel is closely attached to the development of handlooms in the region and because of the distinct culture and heritage, this is a cultural heritage for the country and we want to take them viewing sericulture as a high potential area,” said Gangwar.
He also expressed that there is a need of a hostel attached to the centre and conveyed that the Government of India would be happy to sanction the amount needed if the state government gives a proposal.
Stating that the Apparel and Garment Making Centre has been put into action in a record time of 16 months the Minister dedicated the Centre to the people of Nagaland. He appreciated the support rendered by the Government of Nagaland and also thanked the entrepreneurs for coming forward.
Chief Minister TR Zeliang said that the inauguration of the three units (Apparel and Garment making centre, Muga P3 Basic Seed Station Kobulong, Mokokchung and Integrated Eri Silk Development Project, under North Eastern Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS), for women empowerment and sustainable livelihood in Kohima) would help in skilling Naga youths in becoming professional entrepreneurs.
Noting that the Apparel and Garment Making Centre in Dimapur is the first centre in the entire NE, Zeliang expressed confidence that the inauguration of the 3 units will enhance the youth professionally and convert these young talents into real economic assets.
Taking advantage of the presence of Gangwar, Zeliang proposed before the Minister the need for a hostel to be attached with the centre considering the many youth from rural areas. “Since the state has no resource for this I urge upon the Union Minister to consider sanctioning for the said need,” said Zeliang.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that 3 crore 17 lakh has been sanctioned for Muga P3 Basic Seed Station Kobulong, Mokokchung and 13.66 crore for the newly approved Integrated Eri Silk Development Project, under North Eastern Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS), for women empowerment and sustainable livelihood in Kohima.
With this he affirmed that the state government will make the center a model for other centres to follow.
On the occasion, the Union Minister also laid the foundation stone for Muga P3 Basic Seed Station Kobulong, Mokokchung and launched the newly approved Integrated Eri Silk Development Project, under North Eastern Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS), for women empowerment and sustainable livelihood in Kohima.
