Assam Minister for Handloom, Textiles and Sericulture, Biswajit Daimary on Monday chaired a series of meetings at Janata Bhawan in Dispur to review major initiatives concerning skill development, handloom and cultural heritage sectors in Assam.
During the first meeting, the Minister reviewed the proposed implementation roadmap for the PM SETU initiative in Assam, with emphasis on strengthening the state’s ITI ecosystem and aligning skill development with emerging industry requirements.
Daimary stressed the need to transform ITIs into modern, industry-oriented and world-class training hubs. Discussions focused on the proposed CAPEX and OPEX framework under an SPV model, modernisation of curricula, training stipends and stronger industry linkages.
The Minister emphasised the importance of establishing strategic partnerships with leading industries and PSUs, including ONGC, NRL and IOCL, so that training programmes are closely aligned with actual industry requirements and improve employment opportunities for the youth of Assam.
The Minister subsequently reviewed key initiatives under the Handloom, Textiles & Sericulture (HTS) sector, including the Mega Handloom Cluster at Sualkuchi, Kamrup. The meeting reviewed the project overview, fund position, revised loom provisions, civil and machinery requirements, additional fund requirements and projected outcomes.
Thereafter, a preparatory review meeting was also held with officials of the Handloom, Textiles and Sericulture (HTS) and Indigenous and Tribal Faith and Culture (ITFC) departments to strategise key initiatives under Viksit Assam @2047.
The meeting reviewed a number of transformative interventions, including the establishment of three Integrated Handloom Parks, permanent Handloom & Handicraft Sale Centres at district headquarters across Assam, and a Centre of Excellence at Sualkuchi.
Daimary emphasised the importance of strengthening the handloom and handicraft ecosystem through modern infrastructure, market access, skill enhancement and institutional support, while ensuring that Assam’s traditional practices and indigenous knowledge systems receive sustained attention.
The Minister directed the concerned officials to ensure coordinated and time-bound action on the initiatives discussed, with a focus on creating tangible outcomes for the youth, weavers, artisans and indigenous communities of Assam for a developed and self-reliant Assam.