Guwahati, Jan 8: Union Minister for Textiles Giriraj Singh on January 8 underlined the Union government’s commitment to preserving India’s rich textile legacy while pushing the sector towards modern growth, as he inaugurated the National Textiles Ministers’ Conference 2026 in Guwahati. The two-day event has brought together ministers and officials from across the country to chart a collaborative roadmap for the textile industry.
Alongside the conference, Singh, accompanied by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, opened a handloom and handicraft exhibition that features traditional crafts from various states. The exhibition aims to showcase the cultural and economic value of India’s artisanal traditions and highlight their potential as engines of employment and rural income. Union Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita was also present at the inauguration.
Hosted by Assam, the conference is focusing on key areas such as investment promotion, job creation, innovation, skill development and inter-state cooperation. Discussions are spanning a wide spectrum of the sector, including handlooms, handicrafts, modern textiles, ready-made garments, technical textiles and export prospects, with an emphasis on accelerating overall industry growth and competitiveness.
On the sidelines of the event, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said Madhya Pradesh would hold detailed discussions with the Assam government on wildlife conservation and exchange programmes. He noted that both states had earlier agreed in principle on reintroducing wild buffaloes, which are extinct in Madhya Pradesh, and on bringing rhinoceroses to the state. Proposals are also under consideration to transfer tigers and crocodiles from Madhya Pradesh to Assam, following requests from Assam’s wildlife authorities, and have been submitted to the Centre for approval.
Yadav added that cooperation between the two states in eco-tourism and wildlife tourism is likely to expand, and these matters would be discussed with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during the visit. As part of the conference proceedings, Madhya Pradesh is also presenting its textile policy, industrial ecosystem and investment opportunities to other states and industry representatives, with the aim of sharing best practices and exploring new partnership models across the sector.
