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In a major initiative aimed at transforming Assam’s iconic Muga Silk industry, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday virtually launched Mission Muga Silk ‘Senehjori’, a Rs 411-crore project designed to empower more than 2.5 lakh weavers, and entrepreneurs associated with Muga silk production in Assam. The launch event, held at Sanchar Bhawan in the national capital, was attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita and Minister of State for DoNER Sukanta Majumdar, among others. Describing the initiative as a transformative step for Assam’s famed 'golden thread', Scindia said the mission would enhance value addition, improve production and quality, economically empower stakeholders and position Muga silk competitively in global markets. “This initiative is to take Muga Silk from farm gate to foreign shore,” Scindia said while launching the ambitious three-year project, which will be implemented from 2026 to 2028. Highlighting the Centre’s vision for the Northeast, Scindia said the eight states of the region, collectively known as 'Ashtalakshmi', have been identified based on their unique strengths and potential. While Nagaland has been identified for coffee, Tripura for pineapple, Sikkim for organic farming, Arunachal Pradesh for kiwi, Mizoram for organic ginger and Manipur for polo, Assam has been recognised for its world-renowned Muga Silk. The Union Minister noted that the mission involves the collaboration of 11 stakeholders, including the Ministry of DoNER, Government of Assam, Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Cooperation, APEDA, ICAR, DRDO and representatives of the weaving and rearing communities. As part of the project, five modern reeling units will be established at Jorhat, Sivasagar, Sualkuchi, Majuli and Lakhimpur. A dedicated Muga spun silk unit will also be set up at Dhemaji to strengthen processing and value-addition capabilities. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the mission would provide a major boost to Muga Silk, which remains a symbol of Assam’s cultural heritage and pride. He expressed confidence that the initiative, the first of its kind to promote the golden thread, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, would unlock the vast economic potential of the sector that has remained largely untapped. Sarma also pointed out that the Geographical Indication (GI) tag accorded to Muga Silk has given the product a distinct identity and the new mission would significantly enhance both the quality and quantity of production. Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita and Minister of State for DoNER Sukanta Majumdar also addressed the gathering. The programme connected virtually with weavers and stakeholders from various districts of Assam, along with representatives from different ministries and departments. The Mission ‘Senehjori’ is expected to play a crucial role in modernising the Muga Silk value chain and strengthening Assam’s position as the global hub of the unique golden silk.