Shillong; The Department of Commerce & Industries, Government of Meghalaya today the 13th March, 2026 felicitate the Handicraft Artisans of the Year 2024-25 in a function held in the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Commerce & Industries. A total of 5(Five) awardees were selected to receive the award for the year 2024-25. These are:
1 Phras Syngkli ofUmkaduh, Ri-Bhoi District
2. Gilford Pde ofChilliang Raij, West Jaintia Hills District
3. Mamsikha N Sangmaof Balsri A’ding Chitoktak, West Garo Hills District
4. Ensila D Shira ofRongreng Chidekgre, Williamnagar, East Garo Hills District
5. Wanstep Thangkhiewof Umsong, Ri Bhoi District
The awards include a cash prize of ₹50,000, a trophy, and a certificate.
The Awards were handed out by the Director of Commerce & Industries, F Sutnga, in the presence of the Joint Director of Commerce & Industries M L Wanshnong amongst other Senior Officials of the Department. The function was also attended by Officials from Meghalaya Handloom & Handicrafts Corporation Ltd (MHHDC Ltd), Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (MIDC Ltd), Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Government of India, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and Asuk Suting, a National Awardee.
In his speech the Director of Commerce & Industries praised the awardees saying the awards are a testament to their hard work and dedication. Since the Award is being given out to the indigenous crafts of the State, this will help in preserving the crafts and traditions that have been passed down by our forefathers and will also help in preserving them. The Director of Commerce & Industries also added that in addition to these awards, the Department will follow up the awardees with financial assistance that will include:
(A) Seed Money for Construction of working shed cum store room & sales outlet. Tools & equipments and Working capital.
(B) Assistance for the awardee to train and mentor newer artisans.
With the soon to be made functional, the Innovation & Research Centre (I&RC) will help the artisans with newer craft designs that will have more relevant functionality and also helps in standardizing the craft items. The Innovation & Research Centre (I&RC) will have the latest 3D printers and software for prototyping of new crafts with better designs. The current State awardees along with the past State awardees can contribute to this centre with their vast knowledge of the indigenous crafts from various regions of the State.
