Dear Esteemed Members and Supporters of NEHHDC,

As we look back on the accomplishments of the past year, I am excited to announce that 2023 has been a year marked by remarkable growth and achievement for NEHHDC and the handloom and handicraft sector of the Northeastern region.

The beginning of 2024 has ushered in a particularly promising period for NEHHDC. A standout event was the “Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav” held at the esteemed Rashtrapati Bhavan, inaugurated by the Honorable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. This event not only celebrated our vibrant cultural heritage but also showcased the exceptional talents of our artisans and weavers.

In addition to this prestigious event, NEHHDC actively participated in other significant gatherings such as Vibrant Gujarat and the 37th Surajkund International Crafts Mela, providing a platform to showcase the unique offerings of our region and fostering valuable connections.

Through these engagements, NEHHDC has provided vital support to over 600 artisans, weavers, and entrepreneurs across the Northeast, facilitating wider market access and economic empowerment. Our initiatives in skill and entrepreneurship development, through trainings, awareness programs, mentoring and handholding, are further evidence of our commitment to supporting grassroot industries. 

I am proud to announce that NEHHDC has been able to benefit more than 15790 number of beneficiaries through Skill Development Training Programs and more than 6000 number of beneficiaries through Entrepreneurship cum Skill Development Programs (ESDP) across North East India.
Our in-house brand, Nature's Weave, has proved to be the face of what NEHHDC strives to achieve in the handloom and handicraft sector of the region through impactful design interventions.

In addition to being designated as the "Center of Excellence" by the Handicrafts and Carpet Sector Skill Council, NEHHDC has also been accredited as the “Center of Excellence” for Apparel, Made-ups and Furnishing established by the Apparel Made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council with assured 100% placement for the youth of NER.

A significant milestone was reached with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Honorable Chief Executive Member of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), aimed at preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Bodoland Territorial Region and supporting local handicrafts and handloom sectors.

Ongoing projects such as the North East (Ashtalaxmi) Haat & Experience Centre being established at the NEHHDC CPEC campus in Garchuk, and the setting up of an Eri Silk Spinning Mill at Integrated Textile Park, Baksa, are geared towards fostering exponential economic growth in the NER.
Innovative initiatives like "Yarn on Wheels," which delivers subsidized yarn directly to weavers, reflect our dedication to grassroots support. Additionally, inclusion of new facilities such as a calendaring machine, yarn testing lab, and textile testing laboratory at the CPEC campus further enhances our support infrastructure. Here I would like to mention that NEHHDC is in the process of getting its testing laboratory NABL accredited making it the first and only textile testing facility in North East India.

NEHHDC has expanded its network, with over 120 Networking and Mobilizing partners enlisted to assist in the development and promotion of artisans, weavers, and various cooperative entities.

We are proud to announce that NEHHDC is actively pursuing international collaborations with esteemed organizations such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) to further develop the handloom and handicraft sector in the Northeastern region.

NEHHDC has received prestigious accolades, including the SKOCH SILVER AWARD for 'Changemaker in the Handicrafts and Handlooms sector of Northeast India' and two awards at the PSE Excellence Awards 2023 for Operation & Corporate Governance organized by ICC.
As we embark on the journey ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to promote the rich cultural heritage and economic prosperity of the Northeastern region through sustainable development in the handloom and handicraft sector. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our stakeholders, partners, and supporters who have contributed to our success thus far.

Together, let us continue to create opportunities, empower communities, and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of the Northeastern region.

 

Jai Hind. 
 

Brigadier Rajiv Kumar Singh (Retd)

Managing Director,
North Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd.
East Point Tower, Bamunimaidan, Guwahati - 781021