Latest news with #MinistryofDevelopmentoftheNorthEasternRegion
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
PM Modi calls Meghalaya's Eri Silk ‘Ahimsa Silk', praises eco-friendly production in Mann Ki Baat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi , in the 123rd episode of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, lauded the traditional Eri Silk of Meghalaya , which has gained global recognition. PM Modi stated that the production process of Eri Silk does not involve killing silkworms, making it an ethical and eco-friendly alternative in the global textile market. That is the reason the Meghalaya silk is also called ' Ahimsa Silk '. "Eri Silk from Meghalaya was recently awarded a GI tag... The tribes of Meghalaya, especially the Khasi community, have preserved it for generations and enriched it with their skills... The silkworms that produce this are not killed, which is why it is known as 'Ahimsa Silk,'" PM Modi said during his Man Ki Baat. Emphasising its environmental appeal, the Prime Minister said that Eri Silk presents an opportunity because of its characteristics. "It is a perfect product for the global market since there is an increased demand for products that don't harm the environment," he added. Live Events PM Modi also highlighted the functional benefits of the fabric, noting that Eri Silk keeps the wearer warm in winter and cool in summer, a unique property that makes it suitable for all climates. "This silk keeps you warm during winters and cool during summers," he added. Further praising the role of local communities, he said, "Women of Meghalaya are taking this to a larger scale via self-help groups," showcasing how grassroots efforts are empowering women and expanding the reach of indigenous products. Eri Silk is renowned as the world's only vegan silk , where, unlike other silks, the moth inside the cocoon is not killed. Instead, the moth naturally exits the cocoon, leaving it behind for us to use. This ethical and eco-friendly process sets Eri Silk apart, making it a symbol of compassion and sustainability in the textile industry. Last year, the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), under the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India, obtained the prestigious Oeko-Tex certification for its Eri Silk directly from Germany on the nation's 78th Independence Day. This remarkable accomplishment not only elevates the region's traditional craftsmanship but also positions Eri Silk as a globally recognised, sustainable textile. This achievement further solidifies the silk's status as a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Assam, underscoring its authenticity and regional significance. This certification marks a pivotal step in bringing Eri Silk closer to penetrating the global export market, expanding its reach, and establishing a strong international presence. The milestone also opens new doors for Eri Silk, positioning it as a leading eco-friendly fabric in the international market and showcasing the region's potential in contributing to the global textile industry.
Mint
25-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Northeast secures ₹4.3 trillion investment proposals at MDoNER Summit
New Delhi: The Rising North East Summit, held on 23–24 May by the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (MDoNER), has attracted investment proposals worth ₹ 4.3 trillion, following a series of roadshows across nine Indian cities and engagements with major corporates, public sector undertakings, and foreign governments. In a statement released on 25 May, MDoNER said it has been holding extensive discussions with various stakeholders, including ambassadors, diplomats, and investors to promote investment opportunities in the Northeast. These included 'Ambassadors' Meets' involving representatives from over 95 countries, six state-focused roundtables, six sector-specific industry interactions, and multiple consultations with PSUs, business chambers, and corporate houses. 'These discussions have borne real fruit in the form of ₹ 4.3 lakh crore worth of investment proposals,' said Jyotiraditya Scindia, minister for communications and development of the north eastern region. On the summit's opening day, business leaders including Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, Adani Group chairperson Gautam Adani, and Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal announced plans to invest more than ₹ 1.55 trillion in the region. Mint had reported on 14 May that the government was targeting cumulative proposals of ₹ 2.5–3 trillion, figures now surpassed by the summit's final tally. To ensure effective implementation, MDoNER has set up eight sectoral task forces focusing on agriculture, sports, investment promotion, tourism, economic corridors, infrastructure, textiles and handicrafts, and animal husbandry. Each northeastern state will also develop its own sectoral roadmap, Scindia said. 'We will continue B2G and B2B dialogues, with MDoNER acting as a bridge between investors and state governments to ensure rapid conversion of proposals into on-ground projects,' he added. Read this | Sukanta Majumdar, minister of state for DoNER, highlighted the region's infrastructure gains over the past decade. 'National highways in the region have grown from 10,905 km in 2014 to 16,207 km in 2024. Power capacity has risen by 694.5 megawatts, and over 10,000 circuit kilometers of transmission and distribution lines have been added. The number of operational airports has nearly doubled—from nine in 2014 to 17 in 2024,' he said. Scindia also underlined the Northeast's historical economic importance. 'For six decades after Independence, successive governments failed to recognize the vast potential of this land—which once contributed nearly 20% to India's GDP,' he said. 'The ₹ 4.3 lakh crore (trillion) investment pipeline can help transform it into an economic powerhouse.' The proposed investments will be spread across all eight Northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. Scindia added that the region also holds strategic potential as a gateway to Southeast Asia. At the summit's curtain raiser earlier this month, MDoNER had shared a breakdown of 732 investment proposals worth ₹ 1.12 lakh crore already in the pipeline: Arunachal Pradesh: ₹ 24,338 crore (77 proposals), Assam: ₹ 38,685 crore (106 proposals), Manipur: ₹ 2,919 crore (39 proposals), Meghalaya: ₹ 14,753 crore (110 proposals), Mizoram: ₹ 5,111 crore (75 proposals), Nagaland: ₹ 8,671 crore (82 proposals), Sikkim: ₹ 6,747 crore (110 proposals), and Tripura: ₹ 11,755 crore (132 proposals).
