Photo Courtesy: nenow
Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio launched the Chief Minister’s Yarn Bank Scheme on Friday to slash production costs for state artisans. The program debuted on the 12th National Handloom Day. It operates from a dedicated facility at the District Industries Centre in the State Industrial Park, Toluvi, Dimapur.
Weavers have struggled for years. They faced high travel costs and inflated prices for raw materials. Rio acknowledged these barriers during the virtual launch from his residential complex in Kohima. "Many artisans have been forced to travel long distances to procure raw materials, bear high transportation costs and pay inflated prices, affecting productivity, reducing incomes and limiting the growth of the sector," the Chief Minister said.
The scheme supplies cotton, eri silk, muga silk, bamboo fibre, and other natural blends. Goods sell at mill-gate prices. The state adds a 15 percent subsidy on top. Officials expect the project to support between 5,000 and 10,000 weavers each year.
Eligibility requires a valid Yarn Pass Book. Individual weavers must hold a Handloom Mark Identity Card, be at least 18 years old, and register via a mobile app. Registered cooperative societies with at least ten members also qualify. The government will track inventory using a digital dashboard and third-party audits.
Advisor for Industries and Commerce Hekani Jakhalu called the initiative transformative. The bank functions under the National Handloom Development Programme and the Ministry of Textiles Raw Material Supply Scheme. It aims to protect the cultural heritage woven into every Naga shawl and motif. The government has also installed a toll-free helpline and a grievance redressal system to keep the distribution transparent.
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