The foundation stone for an apparel and garment making centre in Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram was laid by Textile Minister Santosh Gangwar today. Apparel and garment making centres are being opened in every state of the Northeastern region as part of the initiative announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 1, 2014.

The centre will be the beginning of setting up an organized industry in Mizoram. The centre will be managed by the Ministry of Textiles for 5 years and will be handed over to the state government thereafter.

Of the total outlay of Rs 1,038.10 crore, Rs 18.9 crore has been given to Mizoram for setting up of this centre where the state government provides 1.5 acres of land free of cost.

Textiles Secretary S K Panda said that the garment making centre will provide employment to the youth of Mizoram. It will also lead a way for developing technical textile and skilled personnel which will in turn contribute to the economy of Mizoram.

The Minister also inaugurated the Weavers' Service Centre established under the funds of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of Mizoram which aims to provide technical assistance, advice, designs and marketing opportunity to all weavers and concerns in the handloom sector. The centre will benefit many handloom weavers in the state.

Before Mizoram, apparel and garment manufacturing centres have been set up in all other seven states of Northeastern region under the North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS) of the Ministry of Textiles, an umbrella scheme for the development of various segments of textiles -- silk, handlooms, handicrafts and garments.