Workshops Planned for 2,500 Artisans; Push to Promote Handicrafts and Handlooms
Shimla, June 11:
Chairing the 194th Board meeting of the Himachal Pradesh State Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation Ltd., Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan emphasized the need to widely promote the state’s traditional handicraft and handloom products. He directed officials to produce a promotional video showcasing these crafts, which will be circulated on social media and other platforms to boost visibility and demand.
Appreciating the efforts made by the Corporation to support local artisans and weavers, the Minister called for broader awareness of its schemes and programs. He stressed the importance of reviving fading art forms through targeted training programs to help preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage. He also instructed officials to explore the possibility of opening a showroom-cum-sales counter in Chandigarh to facilitate the sale of Himachali handicrafts and handloom products.
The Corporation is currently implementing the ₹23.38 crore Centrally Sponsored Comprehensive Handicraft Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS), which spans three years.
In FY 2023–24, the Corporation benefited 420 artisans and distributed upgraded toolkits to 340 of them. In 2024–25, 840 artisans and weavers were supported similarly. Renovation of emporiums in Delhi, Dharamshala, and Manali has been completed, while work is ongoing at three more—two in Chamba and one in Shimla.
For FY 2025–26, the Corporation plans to conduct 120 design and technical development workshops and 20 entrepreneurship development programs, benefiting around 2,500 artisans across the state.
Additionally, five thematic exhibitions will be held within the state to promote the sale of artisan-made products, and two new emporiums are planned to be opened. The Board also authorized the Corporation’s Managing Director to expand the reach of Himachal’s handloom products, particularly the Himalayan Tweed—an intricately woven woolen fabric crafted by skilled local weavers—into both domestic and international markets.
Corporation Managing Director Dr. Richa Verma presented a detailed overview of the Corporation’s initiatives and achievements. She informed the Board that the Corporation achieved sales worth ₹29.98 crore in handicrafts, handloom, and related products during FY 2024–25.
The meeting was also attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) R.D. Nazim, Director (Industries) Dr. Yunus, Special Secretary (Finance) Vijay Vardhan, and other senior officials.
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