Shillong: A State Level GI Authorised User Workshop for Meghalaya’s geographically tagged handloom products — including Ryndia textiles and Khasi handloom — was held today, organised by the National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC) in collaboration with the Department of Textiles, Government of Meghalaya.
The programme focused on registering authorised users for GI-certified products and included weavers from across Khasi-Jaintia Hills, with strong participation from the Ri Bhoi cluster.
Chief Guest Frederick Roy Kharkongor, IAS, Principal Secretary of the Textile Department, highlighted the state’s GI journey, including the declaration of Meghalaya’s first Silk Village, research through archival collections from the British Library, and the formation of the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Organisation — key steps that led to the GI recognition.
He also recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised GI-tagged Ryndia in his “Mann Ki Baat” address, reflecting its national significance.
Kharkongor noted that nearly 50,000 families — sericulture farmers, weavers, and allied workers — depend on the state’s growing textile sector. He urged organisers to simplify documentation so that benefits under GI reach artisans at the grassroots level.
Other speakers included Commodore Rajiv Ashok, Managing Director of NHDC, along with experts from Bengaluru who presented insights on GI registration, authorised user protocols, and marketing opportunities. The Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS) also partnered in the initiative.
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