The Textiles Committee of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and the North Eastern Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation (NEHHDC), a government enterprise operating under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, have formalized a significant memorandum of understanding (MoU) during the North Eastern Region Conclave held in Guwahati. This agreement signifies an important advancement in protecting Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for distinctive products originating from the North Eastern states, particularly through the registration of Geographical Indications (GI) and the implementation of subsequent initiatives.
Key aspects of the MoU encompass the GI registration of handloom and handicraft products from the North East region. The collaboration aims to bolster the development of textiles, handloom, handicrafts, khadi, and associated sectors within the area, alongside reinforcing post-GI initiatives that will follow the registration process. This strategic initiative is anticipated to empower local artisans and weavers by safeguarding their traditional knowledge and craftsmanship, while also enhancing the global visibility of Northeastern textiles and handicrafts. By doing so, it seeks to generate new economic opportunities via improved branding and market expansion for these unique crafts.
