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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Sep. 24 (EMN): Imnatiba, advisor of Industries and Commerce, Labour and Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship launched a digital intervention on handloom and handicraft sector for livelihood enhancement of artisans of NE states at the National Institute of Electronic and Information Technology (NIELIT) in Meriema (Kohima) on Friday.
Speaking during the launching programme, he stated that the digital world has become a necessity for the future with the outbreak of Covid-19, which has taken a 'paradigm shift'.
Owing to the pandemic, 'within a short span of time, we have changed our behaviour', he said, recalling how people have taken to online platforms for communication, information as well as livelihood. Stating how the digital world has become a 'centre of all interaction', the advisor reminded to align digital technologies with the current scenario and utilise it to succour it.
He reiterated how the government has been giving importance to handiwork and influencing many artisans and weavers in the state since the formation of Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited since 1979.
He maintained that the state government had assisted in the sale of finished products of artisans, which added to the state's economy by organising different expos and other initiatives.
While coming up with an initiative like the digital intervention on handloom or handicraft, the advisor reminded both NIELIT and the department of Commerce and Industries to set their target and make sure that their programme becomes a sustainable and successful one.
While hoping that the new project would supplement the activities of the government towards promotion of the handlooms and handicrafts sectors, Imnatiba stated that the Centre has always endeavoured to uplift the growth of business activities of the Northeastern states.
He further hoped that with combined efforts, they could open ways to attract more people to the rich and vibrant culture and heritage of the state and take them higher.
Also speaking at the event, Kekhrievor Kevichusa, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce hoped that with the launch of the new project, artisans and artists would utilise the facility for enhancement of their skills.
He added that the facility would be made available for both trainees and entrepreneurs stating that the programme is a 'welcome tool' for both artisans and artists in the state as well as for other parts of the country.
L Lanuwabang, Director of NIELIT informed that they could launch the project project in the state as well as other Northeastern states, adding that such facility was an outcome of the announcement made by the then Prime Minister, late Atal Bihari Vajpayee to the people of Nagaland during his maiden visit to Kohima Nagaland in 2003, following which NIELIT Kohima was established in the year 2004.
He also highlighted the five-pronged strategy that will be adopted to meet the objectives of the project -- to develop appropriate process technologies that produce value-added products, quality up-gradation, quality control and technological up-gradation, to strengthen packaging and delivery of products so that with increased shelf life and access to markets, prospects of artisans and entrepreneurs are enhanced, to develop marketing and distribution channels and linkages and to create an overall conducive environment for entrepreneurial growth.
'With the intervention of digital technology in the handloom and handicraft sector, it will not only revive and preserve the traditional cultural skills but it will also attract and motivate the participation of youths in the handloom and handicraft sector', the director said.
Meanwhile, the prizes distribution for the winners of the Startup Nagaland competition, which was organised in collaboration with the department of Industries and Commerce this year under the theme, 'Innovation Trigger: Think Big, Visualise and Realise,' was also organised.
Alongkum, Chubalemba, Thejanguzo Chielie, Obangzungba Jamir and Sheyao with their project title, "PARKY '' secured the first prize taking away a cash amount of INR 40,000.
Mhasheto Vero, Tesenlo Stephen Magh, Visakhotuo Angami and Betso-o Koza bagged INR 25,000 as the first runners-up with his project, 'Health history application' while Moalong received INR 15,000 with 'Aoli Penzur' as the second runner-up respectively.
Gwatsin Thong and Luket Achumi with their project, 'A platform to buy, sell or exchange books' and Imlikokba, Sentirenba, Rongsennungla and Chubatula with 'Yimdaklir - Empowering rural society for a better livelihood through Digital Transformation' each received INR 10,000 as consolation winners.