Union Minister Scindia urges Northeast to lead India’s sustainable fashion movement

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 22, 2025

Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia on Monday called for the Northeast to become the engine of India’s sustainable fashion movement, highlighting the region’s unique strengths in eco-conscious practices, artisanal heritage, and traditional craftsmanship.

Speaking at a high-level task force meeting on handlooms and handicrafts, Scindia said the region is “uniquely positioned” to take forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Fashion for Environment and Empowerment.” He emphasised the need to harness the Northeast’s rich cultural heritage to generate livelihoods, drive innovation, and put Indian craftsmanship on the global stage.

The meeting, chaired by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, brought together Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Assam’s Minister for Handloom & Textiles Urkhao Gwra Brahma, and senior officials from the Manipur government and the Centre.

Participants discussed strategies to strengthen the handloom and handicrafts sector through improved infrastructure, better market access, technological integration, and focused capacity building. Scindia laid out a strategic roadmap that includes forming artisan clusters, establishing Common Facility Centres, and selecting two to three flagship products from the region for national-level promotion.

The plan also emphasises aligning Self-Help Groups with global standards to ensure market readiness, developing a bottom-up value chain, and enabling local crafts to scale both nationally and internationally. Officials underscored the importance of positioning the handloom and handicrafts sector as a cornerstone of sustainable development and inclusive economic growth in the region.

The task force will coordinate with all stakeholders to implement these initiatives, ensuring that the Northeast’s handloom and handicrafts industry plays a central role in India’s transition toward a green and inclusive fashion.