Bhubaneswar, October 30: A two-day national conference on handlooms and handicrafts will be organised by the Offices of Development Commissioner (Handlooms & Handicrafts) of Union Textiles Ministry in Bhubaneswar on October 31 and November 1. The conference will bring together senior officials from the States/UTs and representatives of the handloom and handicraft sectors.

The objectives of the conference were to understand the opportunities and challenges of the handmade sector in India and secondly to deliberate on upcoming new scheme for the sector under the Government of India.

The new scheme proposes substantive changes in the governance structure of the scheme which will include much higher engagement with the States/UTs. The deliberations will help in shaping a future roadmap for the handloom and handicraft sector.

Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Union Textiles Secretary Neelam Shami Rao will grace the inaugural session.

Session on ‘New Schemes for Handloom & Handicraft Sectors – a Paradigm Shift’, ‘Substantive changes in the governance structure” will be held during the two-day event.

Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) of the Union Textiles Ministry and State Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Secretary Poonam Guha Tapas Kumar will also grace the conclave, aims to provide a common platform for dialogue, collaboration, and policy convergence among stakeholders.

The active participation of State officials will be crucial in shaping a robust governance framework and ensuring effective delivery of benefits to artisans and weavers across the country.