SHIMLA: Presiding over the 194th meeting of Board of Directors of Himachal Pradesh State Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation Ltd. here today, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan directed the officers to prepare a promotional video of the handicrafts and handloom products of the state. The videos, aimed at promoting and reviving the handicrafts and handloom products of the state, would be uploaded on social media and other networks.
Industries Minister appreciated the steps taken by the Corporation for the benefit of artisans and weavers of the State and directed that the schemes and programmes of Corporation must reach to maximum number of people. He said that training of this art, which is on the verge of extinction, should be conducted periodically throughout the state to preserve the heritage of the State Handloom and Handicrafts. He directed to explore the possibility of opening show-window-cum-sale counter in Chandigarh for sale of handicrafts and handloom products of Himachal.
The Corporation is implementing Central Central-sponsored project, Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS), of Rs. 23.38 Crore, the duration of which is three years. During the year 2023-24 the Corporation benefitted 420 artisans and distributed the improved tool kits to 340 artisans. During the year 2024-25, the Corporation benefitted 840 artisans and weavers and distributed the improved toolkits to them. The renovation work of three emporia at Delhi, Dharamshala and Manali has been completed and the renovation work of three other emporia, two at Chamba and one at Shimla, is in progress. During the year 2025-26, 120 Design and Technical Development workshops and 20 Entrepreneur Development Programmes were organized for the benefit of approximately 2500 artisans of the State. Similarly, five thematic exhibitions will be organized within the State for sale of products of artisans for which two new emporia will be opened.
The Board of Directors authorized the Managing Director of the Corporation for diversification and market expansion of handloom products across Indian and foreign markets, with particular emphasis on Himalayan tweed, an artisanal wool fabric, developed by skilled weavers of Himachal Pradesh.
Managing Director of the Corporation Dr. Richa Verma explained in detail about the activities and achievements of the corporation. She told the board that the Corporation has conducted sale of handicrafts, handloom and allied products of Rs. 29.98 crore during the financial year 2024-25.
Additional Chief Secretary Industries R D Nazeem, Director Industries Dr. Yunus, Special Secretary Finance Vijay Wardhan and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.