The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation (NEHHDC) inaugurated the Jewellery and Handicrafts Livelihood Business Incubator (LBI) at its Bamunimaidan premises on January 29. Established under the ASPIRE Scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), the incubator aims to foster innovation, promote rural industries, and support entrepreneurship. The Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) serves as the mentor institute for the initiative. The LBI seeks to highlight Northeast India’s rich jewellery and handicrafts heritage by equipping artisans and entrepreneurs with modern resources, training, and infrastructure. With India’s jewellery and gemstone sector contributing 7% to the GDP and 15% to merchandise exports, this initiative aligns with the Make in India and Skill India programs.
Designed to generate employment, the incubator will provide skilling, upskilling, and reskilling opportunities for unemployed individuals, self-employed artisans, and wage earners. It will focus on Gems and Jewellery, Handmade Paper and Paper Products, House Décor & Art Jewellery, and Toy Making. The facility includes dedicated sections such as a Design Section, Casting Jewellery Section, Handmade Jewellery Section, Gemstone Section, and Plating Section. The incubator is equipped with advanced machinery, including 3D printers, casting jewellery machines, magnetic polishers, ultrasonic cleaning machines, and gemstone cutting and polishing tools. NEHHDC has collaborated with the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery (IIGJ), Jaipur, for industry linkages. As part of this partnership, a five-day study tour was conducted for IIGJ Jaipur students to explore Northeast India’s jewellery heritage. Artisans have also showcased their work at the Jaipur Jewellery Show in 2023 and 2024.
Speaking at the event, Brig. R.K. Singh (Retd.), Managing Director, NEHHDC, emphasized, “The establishment of this incubator is a major milestone in empowering North Eastern artisans and entrepreneurs. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, we aim to create a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures talent and promotes sustainable livelihoods.” Dr. Sriparna B. Baruah, Advisor, NEHHDC, remarked, “This initiative will transform the jewellery sector in the Northeast by integrating heritage craftsmanship with contemporary market-driven innovations.” The Jewellery Display Centre was inaugurated by Mrs. RinikiBhuyan Sharma, Chairperson of Pride East Entertainments Pvt. Ltd., who praised the initiative and expressed her commitment to supporting North Eastern artisans. The Gemstone Section was inaugurated by Dr. Lalit Sharma, Director, IIE, who lauded NEHHDC’s efforts in the Gems &Jewellery sector. The event saw participation from prominent dignitaries, including former MP Smt. Queen Oja, NID Director Dr. JP Sampath, and senior officials from NEDFi, NABARD, and MSME DFO. An exclusive jewellery exhibition featuring sustainable, bamboo, clay, and traditional Assamese jewellery was also showcased, reinforcing the significance of the incubator in preserving and promoting Northeast India’s rich artisanal traditions.
