National Conference on Handlooms & Handicrafts 2025 Concludes in Bhubaneswar

• The two-day conference was organised by the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) and Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the Ministry of Textiles.
• It focused on assessing the current state of the handmade economy and developing a new national framework for State participation and sustainable development.
• Key deliberations centred around design innovation, digital empowerment, sustainable production, and cooperative federalism to enhance artisan livelihoods and preserve traditional heritage.

National Traditional Textile Mission (2026–31)

• A mission-mode programme aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.
• Focus: Skill and design upgradation, cluster infrastructure, financial inclusion, women-led development, and GI-linked branding innovation hubs.

Handicrafts Governance Reforms

• Introduction of a three-tier model (National–State–District).
• Strengthening digital governance and PMU-led monitoring.
• Focus on outcome-based implementation and decentralised planning.

Sustainability Measures

• Promotion of eco-textiles such as Katha Silk.
• Establishment of a Sustainability Cell.
• Recognition of artisans through product name-tagging.

• Emphasis on traditional textiles like Kotpad and Dongria Shawls from Odisha as models of sustainable handloom production.
• Institutions like NIFT and IIHT to forecast market and design trends.
• Decision to organise such conferences every six months for Centre-State collaboration and review.

• A Theme Pavilion on Odisha’s handloom and handicraft heritage was displayed at Taj Vivanta, Bhubaneswar.
• Six thematic sessions showcased State-level innovations and best practices.
• Field visits were conducted to Kala Bhoomi, Boyanika, and Utkalika to highlight local craft ecosystems.