Kohima, August 7: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday inaugurated the Chief Minister's Yarn Bank Scheme on the occasion of National Handloom Day, reaffirming the state government's commitment to strengthening the handloom sector and improving the livelihoods of thousands of weavers across the state.
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| Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurates the Chief Minister's Yarn Bank Scheme on National Handloom Day in Kohima, alongside Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang, Minister Jakhalu Hekani, and officials. (Image: X/Neiphiu_Rio) |
The inauguration was attended by Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang, Minister for Industries & Commerce Jakhalu Hekani, and senior government officials.
Addressing the gathering, Rio paid tribute to the state's weavers, particularly women, whom he described as the backbone of Nagaland's handloom industry. He said their dedication, perseverance and craftsmanship have preserved the state's rich cultural heritage for generations and continue to shape its identity.
The Chief Minister acknowledged that access to quality natural yarn at affordable prices has long been a major challenge for weavers, affecting productivity, reducing incomes and limiting their ability to fully showcase their skills.
To address these issues, Rio said the Chief Minister's Yarn Bank Scheme will provide a dependable and transparent supply of high-quality natural yarn to weavers across Nagaland. Under the initiative, natural yarns such as cotton, eri silk, muga silk, bamboo fibre and other natural fibre blends will be made available at mill-gate prices, with the state government providing an additional 15 percent subsidy to make raw materials more affordable.
According to the Chief Minister, the scheme is expected to benefit between 5,000 and 10,000 weavers every year. Eligible weavers will be able to procure yarn directly from the Yarn Bank through a transparent and reliable distribution system.
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Rio said the initiative reflects the government's vision of preserving Nagaland's traditional weaving heritage while creating sustainable economic opportunities for artisans.
He urged all eligible weavers to make full use of the scheme and called upon government departments, cooperative societies, self-help groups (SHGs), village institutions and community leaders to work together to ensure that the benefits reach every deserving artisan.
Concluding his address, Rio said the launch of the Chief Minister's Yarn Bank should serve as a lasting recognition of the invaluable contribution made by Nagaland's weavers to the state's cultural identity and economic development, while reaffirming the government's commitment to supporting the handloom sector for future generations.
