KHANDAPARA: The State Government will set up a mega cluster unit at Khalisahi to promote brass products of rural artisans of Nayagarh district, said Textiles Handlooms and Handicrafts Minister Snehangini Chhuria here recently.
Addressing an awareness programme for the artisans at Khalisahi, Chhuria said the administration will provide all support for supply of raw materials and marketing of the products through government agencies.
Sources said brass and bell metal products of Kantilo, brass solid idol making units at Khalisahi in Khandapara block and weaving materials of Kainphulia in Bhapur block of the district are famous in the State and outside.
More than 500 artisan families in Kantilo and Khalisahi and around 100 skilled weaver families in Kainphulia depend on these sectors for their livelihood. But due to lack of raw materials and marketing facilities, they are now facing acute financial problems.
Chhuria also visited artisans at Kainphullia, Kantilo and Khalisahi along with local MLA Anubhab Pattanaik. She inaugurated Maa Ramachandi Mahila Tantubaya Sahajoga Samiti at Kainphullia to empower women artisans and distributed spinning and weaving accessories to 12 artisans. On the occasion, the Minister also distributed 163 solar lights to the artisans.
Among others, Director of Textile and Handicrafts Sanghamitra Kanungo and Managing Director of State Handicrafts Corporation Gayatri Pattanaik were present.