Aizawl, Jul 18 (UNI) With the aim to promote textile-based activities and empower rural artisans, the Centre has introduced special policy incentives for the traditional handloom handicraft and sericulture industries in the region.

Handicrafts NE promotion officer T Rollee said the government has implemented various schemes to act as a catalyst for development of the handicraft and textile industry in the region. It would boost rural employment in the region.

The incentives comprised raising Central assistance to 90 per cent for all Central schemes and strengthening of the North Eastern handicrafts and Handlooms development corporation under the DoNER ministry, he added.

Besides this the Ministry of Textiles has already urged all northeastern states to submit various re-defined schemes for the implementation of different handicraft and handloom projects in the region.

Artisans and Weavers across the region would also benefit from the Centrally sponsored handloom training programme.

Various handicrafts promotional activities would also be taken up in the region with the help of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), he said.

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