Bhubaneswar: In a major step to boost to Odisha’s rich handicraft heritage, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art ‘Applique and Handicrafts Hub’ at Pipili in Puri district.
The Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department will set up the applique hub with an expenditure of Rs 80 crore. The project is likely to benefit over 6,000 local artisans, a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.
Officials said the proposed hub will be developed by the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Limited. It will offer integrated facilities for applique artisans to produce, showcase and sell their products.
Applique artisans will be imparted training on digital marketing and modern packaging at the hub. Steps will be taken for the supply of raw materials to the artisans, they said.
The proposed hub will play a key role in popularising the applique work of Pipili in the international market. Besides, it will help preserve the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.
Sources said the five-storey building will have all modern facilities including shops, amphitheatre, interpretation centre, audio-visual and training centre, demonstration areas, green rooms, toilets and parking space. The building will also have conference and banquet halls, reports said.
It may be noted that the Chief Minister had earlier approved a proposal for the establishment of the applique hub at Pipli.
