A National Conference on Handlooms & Handicrafts will be organized by the Offices of Development Commissioner (Handlooms & Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles at Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 31^st October–1 November, 2025. The Conference will bring together senior officials from the States/UTs and representatives of the Handloom & Handicraft sectors.

The twin objectives of the Conference are to understand the opportunities and challenges of the Handmade sector in India and secondly to deliberate on upcoming new scheme for the sector under the Government of India. The new scheme proposes substantive changes in the governance structure of the scheme which will include much higher engagement with the States/UTs. The deliberations will help in shaping a future roadmap for the Handloom & Handicraft sector.

Shri Manoj Ahuja, Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha will be the Chief Guest during the Inaugural Session. Smt. Anu Garg, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Planning & Convergence, Govt. of Odisha will be the guest of honour for the inauguration session.   

Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India will inaugurate the session “New Schemes for Handloom & Handicraft Sectors – a Paradigm Shift” and also address the session “Substantive changes in the governance structure” on its second day. Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ms. Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles Government of India and Smt. Poonam Guha Tapas Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts, Government of Odisha will also grace the inaugural session.

The Conference aims to provide a common platform for dialogue, collaboration, and policy convergence among stakeholders. The active participation of State officials will be crucial in shaping a robust governance framework and ensuring effective delivery of benefits to artisans and weavers across the country.

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MAM/SMP

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