Assam: MP Pabitra Margherita launches programme to empower handicrafts and handloom sector

Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, on July 27 inaugurated the 'Bunkar and Karigar Utthan Upskilling Programme FY 2024-25 - 100 Clusters in 100 Days' in Guwahati, aiming to create trained workforce in the handicrafts and handloom sector and generate employment opportunities to empower weavers and artisans across the country with new technology and skills.

The programme aims to upskill 3627 artisans and weavers across India.

The event which was organised by the Office of Development Commissioner for Handloom and Development Commissioner for Handicraft, Ministry of Textiles was inaugurated virtually across the country.

In his inaugural address, Margherita emphasised the importance of preserving India's rich craft heritage while adapting to modern market needs. He stated that the initiative represents a crucial investment in artisans and handloom workers. 

Furthermore, he stressed that workers should be equipped with advanced skills and knowledge to preserve traditional arts and ensure that the craft sectors remain competitive and vibrant, further adding that the handloom and handicraft sector in India has always been very rich and the artisans and weavers are an integral part of the economy and culture of the country.

The minister informed that under the Bunkar and Karigar Utthan Upskilling Programme, 70 clusters in the handicrafts sector and 30 clusters in the handloom sector will receive focused upskilling through training programme. He encouraged the artisans and weavers across the country to take the full advantage of this programme and upgrade themselves with more skills and technologies.

U.G. Brahma, Minister of Handloom, Textile & Sericulture, Government of Assam also addressed the attendees, emphasising the program’s significance for regional development. He said that as large number of people in Assam are associated with weaving, this initiative will definitely benefit them. He also added that the State government has also come up with various flagship schemes in this sector for the betterment of the handloom Sector.

During a live interaction with the weavers/artisans from different locations in virtual mode, Margherita appreciated the weavers and artisans for their work and assured them all support in this sector.

Meanwhile, certificates and toolkits were also distributed to beneficiary weavers and artisans under various components of the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) during the event.

M Beena, Development Commissioner, Handlooms and Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner, Handicrafts were also present.