Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangma Inaugurates Centre of Excellence for Eri Silk Weaving at Ri Sai

Key facts

• On National Handloom Day, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Eri silk weaving at the Integrated Textile Tourism Complex at Ri Sai, Nongpoh.
• The Centre of Excellence will preserve and pass on Eri weaving skills and traditions to future generations.
• The Centre includes an Ahimsa Silk training and design centre, restaurant, cottages, and retail plaza, integrating craft, cuisine, culture, trade, and tourism.
• Under the Income Generation Programme, looms, accessories, and yarn were distributed to 2,141 weavers in 2024–25 and to 2,448 weavers in 2025–26.
• A Cluster Development Programme project under the National Handloom Development Programme, worth Rs 571.15 lakh, is under implementation with Rs 260.35 lakh released as first instalment and targeting 981 beneficiaries.
• Since 2022–23, Meghalaya has received Rs 2,198.24 lakh under Silk Samagra-2 from the Central Silk Board, including Rs 201.61 lakh in the current year.
• In 2024–25, Geographical Indication (GI) recognition was secured for Ryndia and Khasi handlooms, and the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Organisation now holds the GI.