Deputy Commissioner Mon, Thavaseelan K, IAS on 16th November 2021 graced the launching of awareness cum digital literacy training for new designs and manufacturing technologies in handloom and handicraft sector at DRDA Centre, Mon. 

Thavaseelan stated that the massive shift from manual to automated manufacturing with the advancement of technology, creating digital linkages for creating and reaching out to more markets and adapting to the demands of other markets by diversifying to other products beyond the traditional products were some of the major challenges and focus areas for the sector in the State. However, the detailed training programme of the NIELIT Team would be a stepping stone to tackle the challenges and focus areas, he added. 

The DC urged upon the participants to make optimal use of the training programme and through the values and knowledge gained from the training, ensure that their businesses goes to the next level. 

Director, NIELIT, Kohima, L. Lanuwabang briefed about the Project content and its implementation plan. He expressed happiness for Mon to be the first district in Nagaland where the project is being implemented. He stated that the handloom and handicraft sector of Nagaland is considered as one of the prime contributors for economic enhancement in the State, thereby, a need was felt to enhance productivity, diversity and value addition in handicraft and handloom products to ensure their better acceptance in the market. It was realized that this could be satisfactorily achieved by introducing artisans to innovative design and production process by leverage its tools and technology and promoting market tie-ups through a digital platform, he added. 

NIFT, Kolkata, Dr. Dibyendu Datta, talked about Sustainability in handloom and handicraft trade and creating linkages between the different stakeholders for upliftment in their livelihood.

Jt Director, NIELIT, Daniel Meren, delivered a session on Digital Marketing and its opportunities and challenges. 

The project is implemented by NIELIT, Kohima in collaboration with Department of Industry and Commerce, Government of Nagaland under the sponsorship by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. 60 artisans from MON District have been enrolled to undergo the 36 hrs Digital Literacy training as the first batch of the project. 

                                                                                                (Renbenthung, IA Mon)