In a significant step towards creating a trained workforce in the Handicrafts and Handloom sector and generate employment opportunities, Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs, Shri Pabitra Margherita, inaugurated the Bunkar and Karigar Utthan Upskilling Programme FY 2024-25 – 100 Clusters in 100 Days today in Guwahati. The event, organised by the Office of Development Commissioner for Handloom and Development Commissioner for Handicraft, Ministry of Textiles, was inaugurated virtually across the country.
Margherita, in his inaugural address, emphasized the importance of preserving India’s rich craft heritage while adapting to modern market needs. He stated that this initiative represents a crucial investment in our artisans and handloom workers. By equipping them with advanced skills and knowledge, we are not only preserving our traditional arts but also ensuring that our craft sectors remain competitive and vibrant, he added. Shri Margherita said 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 this 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.
Shri U.G. Brahma, Minister, Handloom, Textile & Sericulture, Government of Assam also addressed the attendees, emphasizing 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 live interaction with the weavers/artisans from different locations in virtual mode Shri Pabitra Margherita appreciated the weavers and artisans for their works and assured them all support in this sector.
During the event, certificates and toolkits were also distributed to beneficiary weavers and artisans under various components of the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP). M Beena, Development Commissioner, Handlooms and Smt Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner, Handicrafts were also present in today’s event.
