Work on apparel and garment manufacturing centers in the Northeast has commenced and is nearing completion in some states. The scheme for construction of apparel and garment manufacturing centers in the Northeastern states was launched in 2014. The objective of the scheme is to promote employment in the northeast states and encourage entrepreneurship, especially among women, in the area of garmenting. It covers various segments like silk, handlooms, handicrafts and apparels and garments.

Each apparel and garment making center set up under the initiative is estimated to generate direct employment for 1,200 people. Each state will have one center with three units, each having 100 machines. For local entrepreneurs with the requisite background, the required facilities to start a unit will be provided in the plug and play mode. Once such entrepreneurs get established, they can set up their own units, allowing the facility to be provided to new entrepreneurs.

The project will be fully funded by the Ministry of Textiles, with an estimated expense of Rs 18.18 crores for each state. The scheme has a total outlay of Rs 1,038.10 crores.