The Wokha District Administration, in collaboration with the North Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC), Guwahati, and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Task Force, has flagged off a batch of women youth for specialized residential skill training on Jacquard Handloom Weaving for 45 days at NEHHDC, Garchuk, Guwahati. This initiative aims to enhance and improve the quality of the handloom weaving sector in the Wokha district through skilling and capacity-building efforts. The function was held on 7th July 2023 at DC’s Conference Hall, Wokha.

The specialized skill training programme is designed to provide sustainable livelihood and employment opportunities for the women of Wokha District. It seeks to empower women by equipping them with the necessary skills and expertise in the art of Jacquard Handloom Weaving. The trainees will be provided with post-training support in terms of capital assistance or job linkages.

By offering robust post-training handholding, the Wokha District Administration aims to empower trainees with the necessary tools and resources to establish successful ventures in the handloom industry. This comprehensive support system ensures that the trainees not only acquire valuable skills during the training programme but also receive ongoing guidance and assistance to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and market entry.

Anuranjan Singh, MGNF& I/C- Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Wokha, speaking on the aims & objectives of the specialized skill training programme emphasized that the collaborative initiative between the District Administration, Wokha, and NEHHDC, Guwahati, aims to elevate the handloom sector's quality standards to meet domestic and global demands. He further highlighted that the training programme aligns with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), ensuring a quality assurance framework that bridges the gap between the demand and supply of skilled workforce in the handloom industry sectors across India. The training will greatly uplift the standards of weaving by improving the techniques, machinery and imparting good quality design capability using modern technology.

By imparting valuable skills and knowledge, this programme is set to empower women weavers, enhance their craftsmanship, and contribute to the growth and success of the handloom industry in the region.

(DPRO & IA, Wokha)