Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today laid foundation for an ‘Applique and Handicrafts Hub’ at Pipili in Odisha’s Puri district.

The Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department of the state government will set up the applique hub with an expenditure of Rs 80 crore. The project is likely to benefit over 6,000 local artisans, said the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

The proposed hub will be developed by the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Limited. It will offer integrated facilities for applique artisans to produce, showcase and sell their products.

“The applique artisans will be imparted training on digital marketing and modern packaging at the hub. Steps will be taken for the supply of raw materials to the artisans,” added the CMO.

The proposed hub will play a key role in popularizing the applique work of Pipili in the international market. Besides, it will help preserve the rich cultural heritage of Odisha, stated the CMO.  

According to reports, the five-storey building will have all modern facilities including shops, amphitheatre, interpretation centre, audio-visual and training centre, demonstration areas, green rooms, toilets and parking space. The building will also have conference and banquet halls, reports said.

It is worth mentioning here that the Chief Minister had earlier approved a proposal for establishment of the applique hub at Pipli.