By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Observing that Meghalaya has a lot of potential in the field of sericulture and weaving, Union Minister of Textile, Dr KS Rao advocated the need to extend the area of operation so as to expand the textile and fashion industry which could in turn boost the economic condition of the traditional weavers in the State.
“The area of operation in this sector need not be limited to Meghalaya only. It is a known fact that this industry will not only uplift the economic condition of the people but also at the same time, expose the traditional culture to the rest of the world,” Dr Rao said after unveiling the plaque of the permanent campus of the 15th centre of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in India at Umsawli, Mawlong here on Saturday.
Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma and State Textile Minister Zenith Sangma along with other Cabinet ministers and officials were also present on the occasion.
Stating that fashion technology is as important as medical studies or engineering, the Union Minister said, “This is not an ordinary subject as is evident from its vast prospects. This sector not only focuses on boosting one’s income but also enhance the possibilities of exposing one’s designs globally.”
Interacting with students at NIFT, Shillong, Dr Rao said fashion technology enables students to come in direct contact with the local handloom weavers, learn the designs and suggest ways and means to expand the business.
While hoping that the products of Meghalaya will find their place in the global fashion-arena, Dr Rao called upon the students to compete with their counterparts across the country and contribute to the economic development of the State and the nation as a whole.
Meanwhile, stating that Meghalaya handsomely contributes to the prevalence of traditional weaving in the North East, the Chief Minister said there is an urgent need to focus on sectors which increase the export capabilities.
Confident that NIFT will play a major role in transforming the region, Dr Sangma said, “The potentiality of the textile industry is linked with the North East and students passing out from this institute will not have a problem in finding partners to expand the industry.”
“We are preparing the platform for the partners in this sector and trying to connect people right through the grass root level,” he said.
Stating that the export of textile products has come down in the past few years, the Chief Minister stressed
on the need to revisit the past and re-strategize the approach towards production, distribution and marketing of the products.
“Once the industry starts growing in the State, opportunities paving the way for a transition in the socio-economic development will not be far behind,” Dr Sangma said.