(MENAFN- KNN India) Bhubaneswar, Nov 3 (KNN) The National Conference on Handlooms & Handicrafts 2025 concluded in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

The two-day event, organised by the Offices of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) and Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the Ministry of Textiles, brought together senior officials from States and Union Territories, policymakers, and sector experts to discuss a unified strategy for handloom and handicraft development.

Discussions centred on assessing the current landscape of the handmade economy and shaping the contours of a forthcoming national scheme aimed at deeper State involvement, strengthened governance, and sustainable sectoral growth.

Key mission frameworks were presented during the event. Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), shared the blueprint for the National Traditional Textile Mission (2026–31), emphasising cooperative federalism, design and skill enhancement, cluster infrastructure, financial inclusion for artisans, and innovation hubs supporting GI-linked branding.

Addressing the gathering, Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary (Textiles), stressed the importance of blending traditional craftsmanship with modern tools to boost productivity and reduce manual strain.

She urged institutions such as the National Institute of Fashion Technology and the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology to play a proactive role in forecasting design and colour trends.

Emphasising inter-State collaboration, she called for smoother movement of raw materials and stronger supply chains.

She announced that such conferences would be held every six months to sustain dialogue with States and evaluate progress, reiterating that the handmade sector is central to India's long-term economic vision.

Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner Anu Garg highlighted the cultural and ecological value of Odisha's traditional textiles, citing examples such as Kotpad and Dongria shawls.

She underscored the need for wider artisan recognition, youth-focused training in market research and product development, and initiatives to promote eco-textiles including Katha silk.

Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), outlined proposed governance reforms anchored in a three-tier National-State-District structure, supported by enhanced digital systems and outcome-based monitoring.

The conference featured thematic sessions showcasing State-level innovations and best practices.

A thematic pavilion displaying Odisha's textile and craft heritage was also curated alongside the event.

(KNN Bureau)

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