Bhubaneswar Will Witness Key Discussions on Future of India’s Handmade Sector

Bhubaneswar, Oct 30 : The Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, through the Offices of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms & Handicrafts), is organizing a National Conference on Handlooms & Handicrafts in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from October 31 to November 1, 2025. The two-day event aims to deliberate on the opportunities, challenges, and future roadmap for India’s handmade sector.

The conference will bring together senior officials from States and Union Territories, along with representatives from the handloom and handicraft industries, to discuss the upcoming new scheme for the sector being formulated under the Government of India. The scheme seeks to introduce significant reforms in the governance structure, ensuring greater collaboration and engagement with States and UTs for the holistic development of artisans and weavers.

Odisha Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja will grace the inaugural session as the Chief Guest, while Smt. Anu Garg, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Planning & Convergence Department, Government of Odisha, will be the Guest of Honour.

The second-day session will be inaugurated by Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, who will also address a key session titled “Substantive Changes in the Governance Structure.”

Prominent officials including Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ms. Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), and Smt. Poonam Guha Tapas Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts, Government of Odisha, will also participate in the deliberations.

The conference aims to serve as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and policy convergence among various stakeholders, focusing on strengthening the governance framework and ensuring effective implementation of welfare measures for artisans and weavers across the nation.

By fostering cooperation between the Centre and States, the event underscores the government’s commitment to revitalizing India’s traditional handloom and handicraft sectors — the backbone of the country’s rich cultural heritage and rural economy.