TFP Bureau, Raipur, June 3, 2025: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai on Monday highlighted the immense potential of Chhattisgarh’s traditional handicrafts, calling them a symbol of the state’s rich cultural heritage with demand even in global markets. He was addressing the swearing-in ceremony of Smt. Shalini Rajput as the new Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh Handicraft Development Board at Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister distributed a grant of ₹5,000 each to artisans under the Tool Equipment Scheme and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing market access for handmade products, ensuring artisans receive fair prices for their craftsmanship.
“Chhattisgarh’s artisans are creating exceptional work across the state—from the wooden art of Bastar to the bronze and Chhind crafts of Jashpur and the famed Dokra art of Kondagaon. Their skills are remarkable and deserve not only recognition but also strong institutional support,” CM Sai said.
He added that during his visits under the Sushasan Tihar, he personally witnessed the talent and dedication of local artisans. “The cap presented to me today, made from Chhind and bronze, is a beautiful example of our heritage,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for focused training, credit access, and direct market linkages for rural artisans. “Handicraft work is largely rural-based, and we can generate large-scale employment through this sector,” he stated, calling on the Handicraft Board to prioritize training and loan-subsidy support.
He also noted that Chhattisgarh’s famed Dokra art is in demand abroad, and that eliminating middlemen from the supply chain is key to ensuring artisans earn rightful profits. He expressed pride in the recent Padma Shri award to Pandi Ram Manjhi of Garhbengal, calling it a proud moment for the state’s artistic community.
Speaker of the Assembly Dr. Raman Singh echoed the sentiment, stating, “Our artisans have magic in their hands—be it in terracotta, bell metal, embroidery, or tattoo art.” He advocated for the inclusion of designers to help artisans scale their production and participate in national and international exhibitions.
The event was attended by Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, MPs and MLAs including Smt. Kamlesh Jangde and Shri Dharamlal Kaushik, and several chairpersons of state boards and commissions. Managing Director of the Handicraft Development Board Shri J.P. Maurya was also present.
