NIFT proposes to set up shop in Meghalaya

Shillong, Mar 26 (UNI) The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) has proposed to set up its fashion business education in Shillong, capital of Meghalaya.

''We are awaiting the final approval of the Central Government for setting up the institute,'' Director General of NIFT, Rajiv Takru told reporters after a meeting with Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee today.

NIFT is an autonomous body set up under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Textiles. The Institute has been playing a catalytic role in sensitising and professionalising the fashion industry, and putting India on the centre-stage of world fashion.

Informing that all the states of the region were keen on having this prestigious international institute, Mr Takru, however, said he was 'extremely hopeful' of the institute coming up in Shillong, which is also known as the 'Fashion Capital' of the Northeast.

The Institute is a pioneer in envisioning and evolving fashion business education in the country through network of eight professionally managed centres in New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Rae Barelii.

''If all goes well, we are keen on beginning classes from a temporary campus from as early as this academic session (July-August) itself,'' the Director General said.

Stating that the final decision regarding setting up of the fashion institute here is likely to be taken at the NIFT board meeting scheduled to be held at the national capital on April 2 next, Mr Takru said it was important to get all the logistics organised before approval.

''We shall put up a comprehensive proposal to the Union Ministry of Textiles and are extremely hopeful of getting it approved,'' he asserted.

Terming that the setting up the institute in Shillong would be a ''win-win situation'' both for Meghalaya and the NIFT, Mr Chatterjee said Shillong was a natural choice for setting up this institute.

''The youth of the Northeast in general and Shillong in particular have the advantage of making fashion statements of sorts,'' he said.

Exuding confidence that the NIFT Centre would be set up here soon, Mr Chatterjee said it would open up avenues for employment on a large scale for the youth of the region.

The NIFT was set up in 1986 under the aegis of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. It has emerged as the premier Institute of Design, Management and Technology, developing professionals for taking up leadership positions in fashion business in the emerging global scenario.

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