Two-day workshop and review meeting of field officers of the HTH Department has commenced

Bhubaneswar, 14/05/2025:A two-day workshop and review meeting for field officers working in the Department of Handloom, Textiles, and Handicrafts commenced today. The event was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister of Cooperation, Handloom, Textiles, and Handicrafts, Shri Pradeep Bal Samanta, who remarked that handloom and handicrafts are one of the prime cultural identities of Odisha. He emphasized the need to strengthen marketing systems to carry forward this rich heritage. He advised making our products available in global markets through online platforms. He also directed that planning and implementation should prioritize the welfare of weavers, artisans, and silk farmers. On this occasion, he reviewed various schemes, their successes, and ways to enhance efficiency. Emphasis was also placed on all types of silk production — including Muga, Tussar, Eri, and Mulberry silk & creating employment opportunities for the unemployed youth particularly women by establishing Apparel & Textile Industries by the potential investors in the state.

On this occasion, Departmental Commissioner cum Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar emphasized the importance of incorporating new designs in product creation, improved packaging, application of modern knowledge and techniques, market linkages, and the development of new clusters. Similarly, Director of Textiles Prem Chandra Chaudhary provided guidance regarding regular training and incentives for enhancing the skills of weavers and artisans.

Handicrafts Director and Managing Director of Boyanika Smt. Pranati Chhotray, Managing Director of Utkalika & Joint Secretary Madhumita Rath, Addl. Secretary Bikramaditya Barik, along with Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors of Textiles, Sericulture, and Handicrafts, were present at the event. Field officers also shared their feedbacks regarding the challenges faced during the implementation of various schemes.

During the year 2024-25, 2375 nos. of weavers have been assisted with the construction of a work shed, 762 nos. of weavers with Concretisation of a loom pit, 9428 nos. of weavers sanctioned with financial assistance for installation of lighting units, 4842 nos. of weavers are assisted with loom and accessories for the production of defect-free weaving of fabrics. Apart from this, interest-free working capital loan of up to Rs. 1 lakh sanctioned from District Central Cooperative Bank in favor of 567 nos. of weavers and ancillary workers. Besides that, an amount of Rs.180.78 lakh has been released to Odisha State Cooperative Bank towards interest subvention.