Bhubaneswar, 07 September (H.S.): The Odisha government has launched an initiative to strengthen the skills and livelihoods of traditional artisans by providing them with advanced tools aimed at improving productivity, product quality and access to modern markets.

An advanced tool kit distribution programme was organised at Bhakarsahi under Banamalipur in Khordha district on Monday, with 150 Appliqué craft artisans receiving modern tool kits.

The initiative seeks to connect Odisha’s rich traditional handicrafts with contemporary markets while enhancing the efficiency, precision and earning potential of artisans.

The Odisha State Cooperative Handicrafts Corporation Limited (UTKALIKA) has received approval from the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, for the distribution of 1,200 advanced tool kits to artisans during the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26.

The kits will benefit artisans engaged in seven handicraft sectors—Appliqué, wood, stone, horn, iron, terracotta and brass metal crafts—across 12 districts of Odisha.

The remaining approved tool kits will be distributed in phases during the current financial year.

According to officials, the advanced tools are expected to improve artisans’ work efficiency, productivity, quality and precision. With better equipment, artisans will be able to manufacture more products within less time while meeting the quality standards and changing demands of modern markets.

The initiative is not limited to the distribution of equipment but aims to empower artisans by strengthening their skills, expanding market opportunities and improving their income and livelihoods.

The 150 artisans who received the tool kits at Monday’s programme are engaged in Appliqué craft, popularly known as Chandua work, one of Odisha’s distinctive and widely recognised traditional handicrafts.

Appliqué craft has received Geographical Indication (GI) tag recognition, underscoring its cultural significance and unique identity. Officials stressed the need to preserve the traditional art form while creating opportunities for artisans to connect with contemporary markets.

Speaking at the programme, Cooperation, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta said, “Skilled hands are the strength of handicrafts; modern tools will provide new success to that strength.”

He emphasised that modern equipment would complement the traditional skills of artisans and help them achieve greater productivity and economic sustainability.

Established in 1959, UTKALIKA has been working for the welfare and development of artisans in Odisha. Besides providing marketing facilities and arrangements, the Corporation supports artisans through raw material supply and forward and backward linkages.

The organisation also plays an important role in preserving and promoting Odisha’s rich handicraft traditions and creating opportunities for artisans to access wider markets.

The programme was attended by UTKALIKA Chairperson Debasmita Sahu, Vice-Chairperson Prashant Kumar Mahapatra, Additional Secretary of the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department and Managing Director of UTKALIKA Chinmayee Biswal, Deputy Director of Handicrafts Santosh Kumar Mahanti, Deputy Secretary of the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department and General Manager of UTKALIKA Sheshadev Khatua, and Assistant Director of Handicrafts, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Government of India, Odisha, Bhubaneswar, Bhuban Bhaskar, among others.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda