Odisha to expand handicraft training to 15 more traditional crafts

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to expand formal skill training under the State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC) by introducing structured training programmes for 15 additional traditional handicrafts, aiming to preserve the state’s rich craft heritage while creating new livelihood opportunities for artisans.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, at SIDAC in Bhubaneswar. Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Minister Pradip Bal Samanta attended the meeting as the chief guest.

The meeting reviewed the syllabus and training framework prepared for the new handicrafts, with discussions focusing on skill development, preservation of traditional crafts and promotion of market-oriented artisan training.

Currently, SIDAC provides state-level training in six handicrafts—Appliqué (Chandua), Terracotta, Pattachitra, Palm Leaf Engraving, Stone Carving and Wood Carving. The department has now decided to extend the programme to 15 more crafts.

The additional crafts identified for training include Coir Crafts, Jute Crafts, Solapith, Coconut Shell Crafts, Lacquer Crafts, Bamboo Crafts, Batik Printing, Tribal Jewellery, Palm Leaf Decorative Crafts, Silver Filigree, Brass and Bell Metal Crafts, Seashell Crafts, Papier-Mâché, Saora Painting and Gond Painting.

Officials said the one-year training programme will comprise 1,500 hours, including 1,450 hours of practical sessions and 50 hours of theory. The curriculum has been designed considering market demand, export potential, availability of raw materials, traditional significance, employment opportunities and the presence of skilled master artisans.

Apart from craft techniques, trainees will receive instruction in design, product development, quality control, entrepreneurship, digital marketing, project work and internships. In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, successful trainees will also receive four academic credit points after completing their internship.

A PowerPoint presentation outlining the proposed syllabus and training structure was made during the meeting.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Pradip Bal Samanta urged artisans to combine traditional craftsmanship with innovation to strengthen the identity of Odisha’s handicrafts in national and international markets. He emphasised the need to preserve traditional art forms while expanding their commercial potential.

An interactive session was also held with artisans, who shared their suggestions and highlighted issues related to skill development and marketing. Participants said the proposed training would help improve their craftsmanship, enhance livelihoods and promote financial empowerment.

The meeting was attended by Director of Handicrafts Nivedita Prusty, SIDAC Member Secretary Chinmayee Biswal, representatives from Utkal University of Culture, B.K. Art College, CIPET, senior departmental officials, National and State Award-winning artisans, Shilp Gurus and master craftspersons from across Odisha.

Officials said SIDAC currently operates 39 training centres across 26 districts through initiatives such as the Guru-Shishya Parampara, Craft Village Training Programme and Master Craftsperson Programme, and the expansion is expected to create more skilled artisans while strengthening the state’s traditional handicraft sector.