Cuttack’s Silver Filigree Craft Gets a Boost with ₹10-Crore Common Facility Center

Cuttack: To revive and modernise Odisha’s iconic Tarakasi (silver filigree) craft, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Monday laid the foundation stone for a Common Facility Center (CFC) at the Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) campus.

The initiative, with an estimated cost of ₹10 crore, aims to strengthen artisan livelihoods, improve production infrastructure, and promote the globally admired craft of silver filigree from Cuttack.

Addressing the media after the ceremony, Parida said the silver filigree of Cuttack has earned international acclaim and is now being positioned for greater global outreach. “This beautiful art form not only represents our cultural identity but also has immense potential to draw tourists,” she remarked.

She added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently appreciated Cuttack’s Tarakasi craftsmanship during a foreign visit, which she called “a proud moment for all Odias.”

Highlighting the government’s broader vision, the Deputy CM said the focus is on encouraging artisans while also introducing modern design elements to appeal to contemporary markets. “We want to instill pride in our artisans and equip them with tools to thrive both creatively and commercially,” she added.

The proposed CFC will provide advanced tools, design support, and skill training, enabling artisans to enhance both the quality and scale of their work without compromising traditional methods.

Local MLAs Sofia Firdous (Barabati-Cuttack) and Prakash Chandra Sethi (Cuttack Sadar-SC), who attended as guests of honour, emphasised the cultural and economic significance of preserving traditional art forms like Tarakasi.

The event was presided over by District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, who assured full administrative support for artisan-focused development in the region.

With this initiative, the state government aims to ensure that the legacy of Cuttack’s silver filigree craftsmanship is preserved, innovated upon, and carried forward for future generations.