The Indian government has taken a significant step towards supporting weavers of Odisha’s Sambalpuri handloom products by initiating the process for granting them the GI AU (Authorised Users) tag. This was disclosed by Roop Rashi, Textile Commissioner of the Ministry of Textiles, during an event held at the Indian Institute of Management in Sambalpur. The event celebrated the successful completion of the Small Business Management Training Programme for Master Weavers of Odisha, which aimed to foster collaborations with reputed organizations like Flipkart and SIDBI to bolster the handloom industry in the region. Rashi emphasized that strategic measures and partnerships can play a crucial role in promoting local enterprises and ensuring their sustainability. Encouraging these enterprises to break away from traditional mindsets is vital for growth.
Prof Mahadev Jaiswal, Director of IIM Sambalpur, expressed the institute’s commitment to continue supporting and training master weavers and artisans based on the Shared Service Model. With an MoU signed with the International Institute of Education Universities Consortium, Paris, France, and a campus in Delhi, the handloom products of Master Weavers will be exhibited in Delhi, Paris, and Milan. 17 Master Weavers who underwent training have already joined the ONDC digital platform and started selling their products. The platform is set to feature the products of around 100 weavers soon. Subhranshu Sekhar Acharya, CGM of SIDBI, was also present at the event.
It is worth noting that Odisha already holds the GI tag for Sambalpuri Bandha Saree & Fabrics (Handicraft). Sambalpuri sarees are known for their traditional motifs, including shankha (shell), chakra (wheel), and phula (flower) in red, black, and white. Sambalpuri fabrics are crafted using the Baandha style, featuring images of flora, fauna, and geometric patterns. According to researcher and GI activist Anita Sabat, the GI AU certificate is expected to boost the income of genuine weavers by increasing the popularity of their products. Additionally, it will grant them access to participate in various GI exhibitions and have their products sold in retailers’ shops, enhancing their prominence and genuineness in the market.
The Indian government has taken a significant step towards supporting weavers of Odisha’s Sambalpuri handloom products by initiating the process for granting them the GI AU (Authorised Users) tag. This was disclosed by Roop Rashi, Textile Commissioner of the Ministry of Textiles, during an event held at the Indian Institute of Management in Sambalpur. The event celebrated the successful completion of the Small Business Management Training Programme for Master Weavers of Odisha, which aimed to foster collaborations with reputed organizations like Flipkart and SIDBI to bolster the handloom industry in the region. Rashi emphasized that strategic measures and partnerships can play a crucial role in promoting local enterprises and ensuring their sustainability. Encouraging these enterprises to break away from traditional mindsets is vital for growth.
Prof Mahadev Jaiswal, Director of IIM Sambalpur, expressed the institute’s commitment to continue supporting and training master weavers and artisans based on the Shared Service Model. With an MoU signed with the International Institute of Education Universities Consortium, Paris, France, and a campus in Delhi, the handloom products of Master Weavers will be exhibited in Delhi, Paris, and Milan. 17 Master Weavers who underwent training have already joined the ONDC digital platform and started selling their products. The platform is set to feature the products of around 100 weavers soon. Subhranshu Sekhar Acharya, CGM of SIDBI, was also present at the event.
It is worth noting that Odisha already holds the GI tag for Sambalpuri Bandha Saree & Fabrics (Handicraft). Sambalpuri sarees are known for their traditional motifs, including shankha (shell), chakra (wheel), and phula (flower) in red, black, and white. Sambalpuri fabrics are crafted using the Baandha style, featuring images of flora, fauna, and geometric patterns. According to researcher and GI activist Anita Sabat, the GI AU certificate is expected to boost the income of genuine weavers by increasing the popularity of their products. Additionally, it will grant them access to participate in various GI exhibitions and have their products sold in retailers’ shops, enhancing their prominence and genuineness in the market.
