Guwahati: The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), in association with the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, inaugurated the Guru Shishya Hastshilp Prashikshan Program (GSHPP) in Assam's Barpeta district on December 6.
Business North East (BNE) spoke to EPCH officials, who informed that the the program has enrolled 30 trainees, who will receive specialized training from expert mentors.
"The training focuses on enhancing craftsmanship, introducing innovative designs, and creating market-ready products for domestic and international markets. This initiative forms part of EPCH’s ongoing commitment to uplifting the artisan community in Northeast," one of the officials said.
Jayenta Singh, Assistant Director, Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), North East Regional Office, Guwahati, P. Rajmedhi, General Manager, District Industries and Commerce Centre (DICC), Barpeta, and Pankaj Hazarika, Block Development Officer. Also present were Bhaskar Baruah, Project Officer, EPCH (NER), Abhinav Kaushik, Assistant Manager, Assam Gramin Vikash Bank (AGVB), and Chitta Barman, Advisor, Pital Shilpi Samabay Samiti attended the inauguration ceremony.
During the event, Jayenta Singh highlighted the program's significance. He said, "This initiative is vital in preserving our traditional crafts while empowering artisans to adapt their skills to meet modern market requirements. It is essential for ensuring their livelihoods and safeguarding our cultural heritage." He also provided insights into various support schemes available under the Office of the DC (Handicrafts) and encouraged the participants to take advantage of these benefits.
This two-month program is dedicated to preserving the region's traditional brass metal craft while equipping artisans with advanced skills to meet contemporary market demands.
ALSO READ: National Seminar On Advances In Irrigation Technologies, Management Held In Guwahati
DICC Barpeta General Manager P. Rajmedhi introduced the artisans to several schemes offered by the District Industries and Commerce Centre. He encouraged them to leverage these initiatives to establish or expand their enterprises and explore new market opportunities.
Reaffirming EPCH’s dedication to the artisan community, Bhaskar Baruah stated, "Through programs like GSHPP, EPCH seeks to enhance artisan skills, foster entrepreneurship, and provide access to wider markets. Such efforts ensure the sustainability of traditional crafts while creating economic opportunities for artisans."
The GSHPP program exemplifies a collaborative effort between the Office of the DC (Handicrafts) and EPCH to foster skill development, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainable livelihoods for artisans in Barpeta and the wider Northeastern Region.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
