Jewellery and handicrafts livelihood business incubator launched at NEHHDC to empower artisans and entrepreneurs

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 29, 2025

The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation (NEHHDC) inaugurated the Jewellery and Handicrafts Livelihood Business Incubator (LBI) at its Bamunimaidan premises on Wednesday, marking a significant step towards fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and rural industry development in the Northeast.

Established under the ASPIRE Scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), the incubator is designed to equip artisans and entrepreneurs with modern resources, training, and infrastructure, ensuring the preservation of traditional craftsmanship while enhancing global recognition and sustainable livelihoods. The Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) serves as the mentor institute for this initiative.

Recognized as a key driver of Make in India and Skill India, the Indian jewellery and gemstone sector contributes 7% to the national GDP and 15% to merchandise exports. The LBI seeks to highlight Northeast India’s rich jewellery and handicrafts heritage, providing artisans with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in an evolving marketplace.

The incubator aims to generate employment by fostering scalable micro-enterprises, offering skilling, upskilling, and reskilling programs for unemployed individuals, self-employed artisans, and wage earners. By leveraging emerging technologies, the LBI will enhance expertise in traditional and contemporary jewellery-making, benefiting the MSME sector with skilled human capital and innovation.

Focusing on multiple domains, including Gems and Jewellery (Gemstone), Handmade Paper and Paper Products, House Décor & Art Jewellery, and Toy Making, the LBI will serve as a centre of excellence for skill development programs and product innovation inspired by Northeast India’s artistic legacy and specialized sections, including Design, Casting Jewellery, Handmade Jewellery, Gemstone, and Plating.

Equipped with cutting-edge machinery, such as 3D printers, casting jewellery machines, gemstone cutting tools, and ultrasonic cleaning equipment, the incubator aligns with industry standards to facilitate entrepreneurship and skill development.

To strengthen industry linkages, NEHHDC has partnered with the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery (IIGJ), Jaipur, enabling knowledge exchange and market expansion. As part of this collaboration – a five-day study tour was conducted for IIGJ Jaipur students to explore Northeast India’s jewellery heritage and artisans showcased their craftsmanship at the Jaipur Jewellery Show in 2023 and 2024.

Additionally, research initiatives are underway to explore the use of natural seeds and minerals from the Northeast in jewellery-making, fostering innovation and sustainability. An MoU with the Indian Institute of Crafts and Design (IICD) has been signed to enhance design training and product development. The incubator has already conducted its first batch of PM Vishwakarma Goldsmith (Sonar) training, setting the stage for long-term skill-building programs.

Speaking at the event, Brig. R.K. Singh (retd.), managing director, NEHHDC, emphasized the importance of the incubator, stating, “This initiative marks a significant milestone in empowering artisans and entrepreneurs in the Northeast. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and a focus on innovation, we aim to create a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures talent and promotes sustainable livelihoods.”

Dr. Sriparna B. Baruah, advisor, NEHHDC, echoed this sentiment, saying, “By integrating traditional artistry with modern innovations, this incubator will not only celebrate the Northeast’s heritage but also enhance its national and global presence.”

The Jewellery Display Centre at the LBI was inaugurated by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, chairperson cum managing director of Pride East Entertainments Pvt. Ltd., who is actively involved in Muga silk promotion through ‘Golden Threads of Assam’. She lauded the initiative and expressed interest in future collaborations to support Northeast artisans.

The Gemstone Section was inaugurated by Dr. Lalit Sharma, Director, IIE, who praised NEHHDC’s role in advancing the Gems & Jewellery sector. The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Smt. Queen Oja, Former MP; Dr. JP Sampath, Director, NID; Shri Ashim Das, GM, NEDFi; Shri Loken Das, CGM, NABARD; NKD Piku, Assistant Director, MSME DFO, Guwahati; and Wahida Rahman, a jewellery entrepreneur. Several state and central government officials were also present.

A special jewellery exhibition at the event showcased the works of entrepreneurs specializing in sustainable jewellery, bamboo jewellery, clay jewellery, and traditional Assamese jewellery. This exhibition highlighted the rich diversity and craftsmanship of Northeast India, reinforcing the incubator’s role in preserving and promoting regional artisanal traditions.