Guwahati: The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) officially launched the Comprehensive Skill Upgradation Program (CSUP) today at Lasingphee Craft in Haoreibi, Imphal West. This five-month initiative, supported by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, is part of the National Handicrafts Development Program (NHDP) for the fiscal year 2024-25. The program aims to enhance the skills of local artisans, empowering them to refine their craft and expand their market opportunities.
The inauguration was attended by 30 artisans from the region, who are set to benefit from the comprehensive training. The program's curriculum emphasizes preserving traditional methods while integrating modern practices to meet current market demands. The event featured several distinguished guests, including N. Nimbus Singh, Chairman of the Manipur Khadi and Village Industries Board, who served as the Chief Guest. Singh highlighted the importance of skill development in preserving Manipur's cultural heritage and commended EPCH for aligning traditional craftsmanship with contemporary market needs.
Mutua Bahadur, Director of Mutua Museum, Imphal, presided over the event, stressing the crucial role of cultural preservation in maintaining Manipur's unique identity. He praised the CSUP initiative as a significant step toward empowering artisans and promoting the region's rich cultural heritage. L. Dasumati Devi, Project Manager, Directorate of Handlooms & Textiles, Imphal West, served as the Special Guest of Honour, emphasizing the program's role in promoting local crafts on both national and international platforms.
M. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Senior Assistant Director (Handicrafts) at the Handicrafts Service Centre (HSC), Imphal, highlighted the significance of the CSUP program in helping local artisans adapt to evolving market trends while preserving their traditional craftsmanship. He encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training to enhance the quality and marketability of their products, commending EPCH for its dedicated efforts in promoting the handicrafts sector in the North Eastern Region.
Maibam Surjamala Devi, Designer at EPCH, also addressed the gathering, elaborating on EPCH's various initiatives in the North Eastern Region (NER). She discussed the specific activities under the CSUP program, explaining how they are tailored to help local artisans improve their design skills, access new markets, and ensure the sustainability of their crafts in a competitive environment. Surjamala Devi encouraged the trainees to seize the opportunities provided to enhance their craft and expand their reach.
Other notable attendees included O. Shyama Devi, a State Awardee, and Smt. L. Ajanta Devi, an Empanelled Designer. The CSUP program is part of EPCH's ongoing mission to support and advance India's handicrafts sector. Through this program, artisans will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a competitive marketplace while ensuring that traditional crafts continue to flourish for future generations.
Speaking to Business North East, Bhaskar Baruah, Project Officer, EPCH (NER), stated, "The Comprehensive Skill Upgradation Program (CSUP) offers a crucial platform for artisans in the North Eastern Region to enhance their skills and meet the changing demands of the market. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, we are preserving Manipur's rich cultural heritage while equipping artisans to excel in a competitive environment. EPCH and the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) are dedicated to providing these artisans with the necessary skills and resources to achieve success both nationally and internationally."
Maibam Surjamala Devi, Designer, EPCH (Imphal, Manipur), added, "The Comprehensive Skill Upgradation Program (CSUP) represents a vital opportunity for artisans in the North Eastern Region to refine their craft and adapt to the evolving demands of the market. By blending traditional techniques with modern practices, we are not only preserving the cultural heritage of Manipur but also empowering artisans to thrive in a competitive landscape. EPCH remains committed to supporting these artisans, ensuring they have the skills and resources needed to succeed on both national and international stages
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