(Standing from left) DUDA director, Alan Gonmei; MLA & Advisor, DUDA, Naiba Konyak; DUDA Joint Director, Anungla Phom and an unidentified individual are seen with the artisans and the machinery provided to them as part of the training programme. (Morung Photo)
DIMAPUR, JUNE 15 (MExN): A 12-day long training programme focused on ‘product development’ culminated at the NBRC, 6th Mile, Dimapur on Saturday, June 15. The training programme, sponsored by the Department of Under-Developed Areas (DUDA), was the result of two government agencies collaborating to refine the skills of artisans, particularly from the under-developed regions of the state. It had started on June 3.
According to Dr. Anungla Phom, Joint Director, DUDA, six artisans from Longleng, Kiphire, Mon, Tuensang, Pungro and Noklak were selected to undergo the training; the DUDA providing the financial backing while the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency lending its skills. It was part of the DUDA’s capacity building programme.
The trainees were imparted training on furniture-making and handicrafts. The trainees also received tools and machinery costing Rs. one lakh per set.
MLA & Advisor, DUDA, Naiba Konyak, speaking at the culmination programme urged the trainees to make the most of the opportunity and continue to work on their skills. The idea behind the training was to help the trainees hone and further their inborn skills while inculcating a sense of professionalism in the way the artisans approach their chosen craft, said Konyak. Taking China and the highly-finished crafts originating from the country as an instance, he said that Nagas artisans have all the required raw material and the skill; only, the artisans have to fine-tune their skills so that their products are able to withstand stiff competition in the market. Stating that the DUDA is trying its level best, he said, “Whatever you’ve learned here, employ it to the optimum (keeping quality in mind)... please do not let the things you’ve learned go to waste.” The NBDA, as one of the skill-developing agencies, should also ensure that there is proper market linkage between the producers and the market, he added.
Alan Gonmei, DUDA director, further highlighted on the various skill development programmes currently undertaken by the department. Beautician Training Course, Diploma in Shorthand, Multi-Skill Training for Women, Vocational Training on Bamboo and Woodcraft, and a 4-year Diploma Engineering in Tool & Dye Making are some of the programmes.
