Union Minister of State for Textiles (Independent Charge) Santosh Kumar Gangwar on Tuesday inaugurated Apparel and Garment Making Centre, one of the most ambitious projects launched in the textile sector by the government of India at District Industries Centre Complex, 6th Mile Dimapur in north eastern states. The project was inaugurated in the presence of State Chief Minister TR Zeliang and Additional Secretary Ministry of Textile, GoI Pushpa Subrahmanyam.

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.

Gangwar said that 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 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. 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. 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. These projects will support silk production in all three varieties—Eri, Muga and Mulberry silk—from plantation to finished product to marketing. It is also 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.

Gangwar said that 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 they want to take them viewing sericulture as a high potential area.

He also expressed the 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.

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.

The Apparel and Garment Making Centre in Dimapur is the first centre in the entire NE, the inauguration of the 3 units will enhance the youth professionally and convert these young talents into real economic assets. The state government will make the center a model for other centres to follow.