Tamulpur, Assam
February 24, 2026
C-DAC, Kolkata successfully organized “WEAVE TECH – 2026”, marking the formal inauguration of the Capacity Building Project Centre and National-Level Workshop dedicated to enhancing the livelihood of weavers and artisans of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), Assam. The two-day programme was held on February23rd–24th, 2026 at the Capacity Building Project Centre, Tamulpur Rurban Cluster, BTC, Assam.
The flagship initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, this project titled “Capacity Building Program using ICT Tools & Technology to Enhance Livelihood of Weavers & Artisans of BTC, Assam, Phase-II” harnesses the power of ICT to modernize one of Assam's most treasured traditions.
The project leverages ICT tools to modernize traditional handloom practices, enhance productivity, improve design innovation, enable digital marketing access and facilitate stronger market linkages. By integrating digital tools into weaving practices, the initiative empowers artisans to compete in contemporary markets while preserving their rich cultural heritage.
The first phase of the project was a significant milestone, successfully training 5,075 weavers across Kokrajhar and Baksa districts. Phase II represents a transformative expansion, extending coverage from two to all five BTC districts: Kokrajhar, Baksa, Tamulpur, Chirang and Udalguri, and scaling beneficiaries from 5,075 to 15,000 weavers and artisans. This phase also emphasizes building permanent digital infrastructure for the Bodo handloom sector to ensure sustainable, long-term community impact.
The programme was inaugurated by Ms. Tulika Pandey, Group Coordinator (HRD), MeitY, Government of India, as the Chief Guest.The Guest of Honour was Smt Simi Karan, District Commissioner (DC), Tamulpur, BTC, Assam.Other eminent dignitaries present included:
- Dr. Ch. A. S. Murty, Scientist ‘G’ & Centre Head, C-DAC Kolkata
- Shri Pritam Dutta, Director, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship & IIE, Govt. of India
- Shri Hara Kanta Baro, Regional Director, NERO, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India
- Shri Jitender Tak, Director, IIHT, Govt. of India
- Shri Ractim Buragohain, Joint Secretary, BTC, Government of Assam
- Shri Surendra Singh, Scientist ‘E’, MeitY, Govt. of India
- Dr. Amitava Nag, Professor, CIT, Kokrajhar, Assam
- Shri Asit Kumar Singh, Chief Investigator of the Project, C-DAC, Kolkata
- Smt. Hiranya Devi, I/c CHD, Handloom & Textiles, BTC, Assam
- Dr. Bhaskar Saha, Assistant Professor, CIT, Kokrajhar, Assam
The inauguration was more than a ceremony; it was a convergence of minds, policies and purpose. With nearly 300 participants spanning beneficiaries, industry leaders, government officials and academics, the workshop sparked cross-sector dialogue and tangible commitments across five key pillars:
- ICT-powered enhancement of traditional weaving practices
- Digital literacy and continuous skills upgradation for artisans
- Entrepreneurship development and self-reliance for weavers
- Expanded market access through digital and e-commerce channels
- Institutional and industry partnerships for long-term ecosystem support
Certificates and tokens of appreciation were presented to beneficiaries a proud recognition of their commitment and the community's collective journey toward transformation.
Anchored in the transformative visions Atmanirbhar Bharat, Skill India and Digital India, WEAVE TECH – 2026 underscores the transformative potential of technology-driven capacity building in uplifting artisans. This initiative stands as a powerful testament to what happens when innovation reaches the grassroots: communities thrive, livelihoods multiply, and cultural heritage endures.
As Phase-II unfolds across all five districts of Bodoland, the handloom community of Assam is not just keeping pace with the digital age - it is leading the way.
