Shillong/Ahmadabad: The National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, and Meghalayan Age Limited (MAL), a government entity of Meghalaya, have entered into a significant partnership to leverage design interventions for the state's development.

The MoU, signed in Shillong, outlines a collaborative framework that will bring design thinking and innovation to various policy and project levels in Meghalaya over the coming years.

Key activities under this MoU include the development of a Meghalaya State Design Policy Framework, the establishment of a Meghalaya Design Lab, and efforts to position Shillong as a UNESCO Design City.

The partnership will also focus on building institutional capacity through workshops, exposure visits, and training programs, all aimed at fostering a culture of design thinking within public administration and local communities.

One of the central initiatives will be the development of dedicated bamboo handicrafts clusters, which will enhance the state's bamboo sector through design interventions and sustainable practices.

NID Director Praveen Nahar highlighted the institute's ongoing projects in Northeast India, noting that this MoU will set a new benchmark for design-driven development in Meghalaya.

Similarly, Neelima Hasija, Activity Chairperson (Integrated Design Services) at NID, emphasized the institute's commitment to grassroots design interventions that will benefit local artisans and craftsmen.

This partnership marks a key milestone in using design as a tool for social and economic transformation in Meghalaya.

Both NID and the Government of Meghalaya envision a future where design plays a central role in the state's holistic development.