The state government of Odisha (India) has decided to set up a Handloom and Handicrafts Development and Promotion Council in the state. The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
The Council has been proposed to provide funds to the tune of Rs 20 crore to the planned council during the current financial year.
The main aim behind the setting up of the council is to attain sustainable and comprehensive growth in these sectors. The proposed council will be headquartered in Bhubaneswar. It will function under the administrative control of Handloom, Textiles and Handicrafts Department.
The council would guide the government in conducting periodical socio-economic census and maintenance of database of weavers and artisans. It would also work towards improving the livelihood of families of weavers and artisans of the state.
The proposed council that is expected to benefit more than 4.5 lakh weavers, artisans and their families will also look after promotional activities such as exhibition, fairs, conferences and other programmes to generate weavers for the weavers and artisans to increase their business.
