How Did the Odisha Government Partner with Weavers' Service Centre to Boost Weaving Enterprises?
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Synopsis
Discover the significant partnership between the Odisha Mission Shakti department and the Weavers' Service Centre, designed to empower women weavers and transform their skills into thriving enterprises. This collaboration promises to uplift local SHGs and promote sustainable livelihoods.
Key Takeaways
- This partnership empowers women weavers through skill development.
- It facilitates access to both national and international markets.
- Design mentoring and training will be provided to Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
- The initiative aims to create a sustainable women-led textile ecosystem.
- SHG products will receive enhanced visibility through professional support.
Bhubaneswar, July 29 (NationPress) The Odisha Mission Shakti department forged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Weavers' Service Centre, part of the Ministry of Textiles, on Tuesday. This initiative is designed to empower women weavers by enhancing their skills, providing modern design inputs, and granting access to both national and international markets, as stated by officials.
According to an official release, the MoU will promote design mentoring, training, and market linkage for weaving-based Self-Help Groups (SHGs), helping them adapt to changing fashion and decor trends.
This partnership aims to create a sustainable, women-led textile ecosystem while fortifying the textile value chain throughout Odisha.
During the signing ceremony at the Mission Shakti Bhawan Auditorium, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida remarked that Odisha's traditional weaving industry is gaining new energy through the active participation of women-led SHGs.
She emphasized the state government's dedication to achieving economic self-reliance for Odisha's SHG members.
Referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent mention of Odisha's Santali weaving from Mayurbhanj and the women's Sankirtan groups from Keonjhar in his 'Mann Ki Baat' address, Deputy CM Parida stated, "Our mothers are making Odisha proud across the nation. We are committed to providing SHGs with dignified and viable income opportunities to realize our vision of 'Lakhpati Didis'."
Furthermore, she mentioned that under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's visionary leadership, the state intends to elevate lakhpati didis to crorepatis.
Shalini Pandit, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the State Mission Shakti department, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating it supports thousands of women who have embraced weaving, tailoring, embroidery, and home-based production as their livelihood.
"This collaboration will create an enabling ecosystem for design, training, and market-ready innovations for SHG members," she added.
The partnership between the Mission Shakti department and the Weavers' Service Centre will focus on developing unique multi-colour paper designs that align with the latest trends in apparel and home decor.
Moreover, the Weavers' Service Centre will assist with prototype development and offer expert advice on aesthetics, finishing, and enterprise readiness.
SHG products will also benefit from professional photography and digital cataloguing to enhance their visibility both online and offline.
This alliance is poised to significantly transform traditional weaving skills into structured enterprises, merging the creative potential of SHGs with expert mentorship to foster sustainable livelihoods, enhance market competitiveness, and promote long-term value creation.
Point of View
The collaboration between Odisha's Mission Shakti department and the Weavers' Service Centre exemplifies the government's commitment to women's empowerment and economic growth. By fostering women's participation in traditional crafts, this initiative not only preserves cultural heritage but also enhances the livelihoods of many families. The focus on sustainable practices and market adaptability positions Odisha as a leader in the textile sector.
NationPress
31/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the MoU between Odisha Mission Shakti and Weavers' Service Centre?
The MoU aims to empower women weavers through skill development, modern design inputs, and access to national and international markets.
How will the MoU benefit Self-Help Groups (SHGs) involved in weaving?
It will provide design mentoring, training, and market linkages to help SHGs adapt to changing fashion and decor trends.
What is the long-term goal of this collaboration?
The initiative seeks to build a sustainable women-led textile ecosystem and strengthen the textile value chain in Odisha.
Who was present during the MoU signing ceremony?
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and other officials from the Mission Shakti department.
How will the products of SHGs be promoted?
SHG products will receive professional photography and digital cataloguing support to enhance their visibility.
