Bhubaneswar/Khordha: Skilled hands are the strength of handicrafts; modern tools will provide new success to that strength, said Co-operation, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Minister Pradip Bal Samanta while launching an advanced tool distribution programme for traditional artisans at Bhakarsahi under Banamalipur in Khordha district, Monday.
The initiative aims to modernise Odisha’s traditional handicrafts, enhance artisans’ productivity and improve their income. At the launch event, 150 Appliqué craft artisans received modern toolkits. A total of 1,200 advanced toolkits will be distributed in phases among artisans across 12 districts during the current financial year under the government-supported initiative. Samanta said the programme was not merely about distributing modern tools but was aimed at empowering artisans, expanding their market opportunities and strengthening their livelihoods.
The initiative is expected to help traditional artisans adopt improved tools and techniques while enhancing the quality and productivity of their handicraft products. The toolkits have been approved for seven handicraft sectors—Appliqué, wood, stone, horn, iron, terracotta and brass metal crafts—under a scheme supported by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, for the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26. Appliqué, popularly known as Chandua, is one of Odisha’s distinctive traditional crafts and has been accorded Geographical Indication (GI) status. The initiative aims to help artisans preserve the authenticity and heritage of the craft while enhancing the quality and competitiveness of their products in contemporary markets.
The Odisha State Co-operative Handicrafts Corporation Ltd (Utkalika), established in 1959, has been working for the welfare and development of artisans by facilitating marketing support, access to raw materials and forward and backward linkages, while also promoting and preserving Odisha’s rich handicraft heritage. The programme was attended by Utkalika Chairperson Debasmita Sahu, Vice-Chairperson Prashant Kumar Mahapatra, Additional Secretary of the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, and Utkalika Managing Director Chinmayee Biswal, Deputy Director (Handicrafts) Santosh Kumar Mahanty, and other senior officials.
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