The North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) has taken a significant step in supporting artisans and handcrafted products from the eight states of North East India by forming “NE-SHILP.” NE-SHILP, short for the North East Society for Handicraft Incubation and Livelihood Promotion, operates as a not-for-profit society dedicated to promoting the craft products of North East India. It falls under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of NEDFi and serves as a comprehensive platform for curated craft products and packaged agro-horticultural goods from the region.
NE-SHILP operates through two primary models. Firstly, it procures unique handcrafted products directly from artisans and self-help groups (SHGs) in the North East. Secondly, it facilitates the sale of artisan products on a consignment basis, where the artisans themselves determine the prices. Products are sold at maximum retail prices (MRP) set by the artisans, and once a sale is made,
NE-SHILP transfers the sales proceeds to the artisan’s account after deducting handling charges, which range from 5% to 15%.
To date, NEDFi has trained over 4,000 individuals in water hyacinth craft, benefiting not only people from the Northeast but also artisans from across India. The artisans receive design intervention to imbue a modern touch into their products, aligning with emerging fashion trends. NE-SHILP actively participates in major craft exhibitions in India and abroad to promote North East artisans and their crafts.
With over 15,000 people directly or indirectly associated with NE-SHILP, the majority of whom are women from marginalized communities, the society has made a substantial impact since its initiation in 2006 as the Centre for Practical Livelihood Training (CPLT), later rechristened as NESHILP in 2016.
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