The North East Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation (NEHHDC), has as its objectives the development and promotion of the indigenous crafts of the North Eastern Region (NER) by connecting craftsmen to prospective markets and generating economic, cultural, and social opportunities for them.

NEHHDC over the past few years been making remarkable strides in promoting and preserving the indigenous crafts of the NER through a series of strategic partnerships, training programs, and innovative initiatives for the artisans.

One of NEHHDC’s latest endeavours is the launch of its e-commerce portal, https://purbashree.com, and the operation of mobile outlets called “Purbashree on Wheels.” These initiatives enable artisans to reach a broader customer base, both within India and abroad. Additionally, NEHHDC has gone live on various online marketing platforms, including Amazon, India Mart, Trade India, Flipkart, GoCoop, GeM, and ETSY, ensuring wider visibility for the region’s unique crafts.

To further enhance the skills and capabilities of the craftsmen, NEHHDC has entered into more than 30 MoUs with esteemed institutions like the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong; National Institute of Fashion Technology, Shillong; and National Institute of Design, Jorhat, among others. These collaborations focus on design interventions, technology upgradation, marketing collaborations, and other development aspects.

The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), and the Government of India have nominated NEHHDC as ‘Nodal Agency’ for the implementation of projects under the “Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI)”. NEHHDC is also registered as a Training Partner (TP) with the National Skill Development Council (NSDC) under the flagship program of Skill India of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

NEHHDC is also the implementing agency for the Development Commissioner, Handlooms, and Handicrafts for its interventions such as its technical training programmes, design development workshops, and research and development activities. 

The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), has partnered with NEHHDC for the implementation of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs’ scheme ‘Marketing and Logistics Development for Promoting Tribal Products from North Eastern Region’. This scheme aims to uplift more than 6000 tribal artisans and suppliers across the NER by providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities.

NEHHDC has also launched an in-house design cum handloom and handicrafts production centre under the brand name ‘Nature’s Weave’. It has also established a textile testing laboratory, at Garchuk, Guwahati for testing fiber, yarns, and fabric. One Calendaring unit for finishing hand-woven textiles has also been established.

Under the schemes of the North Eastern Council, NEHHDC has implemented certain projects for bridging the gaps in the handicrafts & handlooms sectors in NER. These include – establishing Ashtlaxmi Haat & experience center at Guwahati at a cost of ₹7.6 crores; setting up an Eri silk spinning plant at Integrated Textile Park, Mushalpur, Baksa (Assam) at a cost ₹14.92 crores; and providing market development by way of digitalisation, authentication, and traceability for weavers across 7 states (less Sikkim) in NER with a project cost ₹14.92 crores.

Over the last three years, NEHHDC’s turnover has shown remarkable growth, reaching approximately ₹ 565.22 lahks in 2022-23, up from ₹ 105.87 lahks in 2020-21. This increase reflects the success of the corporation’s efforts in promoting and marketing indigenous crafts.

NEHHDC has positively impacted the lives of 8381 weavers and artisans across the NER through various training programs, exhibitions, fairs, and capacity-building workshops in the last three years. Moreover, through various skill development programs such as Digi Bunai Workshop, Pradhan Matri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 3.0, SC-ST Hub Scheme, SAMARTH (scheme for capacity building in the Textile sector), and PMKVY 4.0, NEHHDC has trained 2890 weavers and artisans in the NER.

Additionally, NEHHDC has played a pivotal role in providing artisans with international exposure and market linkages. Events like the 36th Suraj Kund International Crafts Mela in Haryana, the Ghed Festival in Madhavpur, and the Women Conclave in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Meghalaya have allowed artisans to showcase their crafts to a wider audience, giving them visibility and recognition on a global stage.

NEHHDC’s commitment to empowering weavers extends to the digital realm as well, with a targeted goal of covering 10,000 weavers under the market development scheme through digitalization, authentication, and traceability initiatives.

The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation’s tireless efforts in promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the North Eastern Region have borne fruit. Through innovative initiatives, strategic partnerships, and skill development programs, NEHHDC continues to empower artisans, creating sustainable livelihoods and cementing the region’s unique crafts on both national and international platforms.