Govt partners with NIT to establish Innovation & Research Centre in city
SHILLONG, Dec 9: The Directorate of Commerce and Industries has signed a landmark agreement with the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Meghalaya, to establish an Innovation and Research Centre in Shillong, with an aim to revolutionise the state’s handloom and handicraft sector. This collaborative project, part of the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) programme under the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, and supported by the World Bank, seeks to foster innovation, diversify products, and enhance the marketability of traditional crafts and textiles. The initiative underscores a commitment to empowering local artisans, weavers, tailors and pattern makers while preserving Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage. The Innovation and Research Centre will focus on research and development to create innovative product designs, conduct technical training and workshops for artisans and develop biodegradable product prototypes aligned with emerging market trends. It also aims to enhance market access and boost the competitiveness of MSMEs in the handloom and handicraft sector. “The Centre’s activities will unfold in three key stages: First designers from reputed institutes will assess current products and customer preferences, preparing innovative designs to align with market trends, using sophisticated machinery and 3D printers at the Centre, NIT Meghalaya will transform these designs into high-quality prototypes in the second stage and in the third stage, designers will train master artisans, who will collaborate with artisans and weavers at the cluster level to transform prototypes into final market-ready products,” a statement in this regard said.
Agniveer recruitment rally to begin on December 10
NONGPOH, Dec 8: The Indian Army has informed that the Agniveer recruitment rally in Meghalaya, scheduled to take place at the Umroi Military Station, will be held from December 10 to 12. The rally will cater to candidates for Agniveer (General Duty), Agniveer (Technical), Agniveer (Office Assistant), and Agniveer Tradesmen (10th/8th Pass). The second phase of the Agniveer recruitment process commenced in June across various parts of the country, marking a significant step towards modernising and streamlining the Army’s recruitment system. Results of the online Common Entrance Examination (CEE), conducted from April 22 to May 3, 2024, are available on the ‘Join Indian Army’ website. It may be mentioned that the candidates, at the rally, will undergo a 1.6 km run, apart from the physical fitness tests, physical measurements and medical examinations. Meanwhile, shortlisted candidates who have not received their admit cards have been advised to contact the Recruiting Office (Headquarters), Shillong, via email at [email protected] or by calling 0364-2504177.
KHADC postpones felicitation programme to Januarym 2025
SHILLONG, Dec 8: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has postponed its felicitation programme for various traditional institutions, initially scheduled for December 14 at Polo Ground. The decision followed a meeting of all the Members of the District Council (MDCs) and requests from several traditional bodies, citing the ongoing festival season. KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pyniaid Sing Syiem announced on Sunday that the event is now planned for January next year. The programme was originally intended to honour Dorbar Shnongs, Dorbar Dongs, Dorbar Kurs, Seng Kynthei/Longkmie, and Seng Samla. The KHADC had invited 30 representatives each from villages and localities, including members of the Executive Committees of Dorbar Shnongs, Seng Kynthei/Longkmie and Seng Samla.