The Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI), initiated by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) of the Government of India in 2005, stands as a pivotal effort to foster cluster development. Under the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI), NEDF in the role of Implementing Agency, In a transformative move, NEDF establishes a Common Facility Centre (CFC) in the serene confines of Aila Habi Village in the Gourisagar block of Sivasagar, Assam, engaging 715 skilled artisans.

The chosen plot for the CFC, measuring 1 Bigha 1 Katha of Dag No. 1113 and Patta No. 323, was generously donated by Mr. Hariprashanna Hazarika, an advisor of NEDF. Facilitating this collaborative venture, the Council of Handicrafts Development Corporation (COHANDS) assumes the role of the Nodal Agency, while the SF Consultant contributes as the Technical Agency alongside NEDF. This strategic alliance underscores the concerted efforts to create a sustainable ecosystem for traditional industries.

The central objective of the SFURTI-NEDF partnership transcends mere economic considerations. Instead, it aspires to empower women, youth and uplift the socio-economic status of those at the grassroots level. By channeling efforts into income generation for the marginalized sections of society, particularly women, the initiative seeks to bring about tangible improvements in livelihoods, commitment to inclusive and sustainable development within traditional industries, addressing economic, social, and gender dimensions for a transformative impact.