CM Majhi Lays Foundation for INR 80 Cr Pipili Chandua Hub to Empower 6,000 Artisans

Pipili, June 4: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the ₹80 crore Pipili Chandua Handicraft Hub at Jagannathpur in Pipili, marking a major step toward strengthening the state’s traditional appliqué craft and expanding livelihood opportunities for artisans.

 Pic Credit: https://x.com/MohanMOdisha

The project, to be developed by the Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department, will be a five-storey integrated complex spread across more than five acres. Designed as a Craft, Culture and Tourism Hub, it aims to preserve the centuries-old Pipili Chandua tradition while connecting it with modern markets and global buyers.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said Pipili Chandua is not just a craft but a living symbol of Odisha’s cultural identity, deeply linked with Lord Jagannath and the annual Rath Yatra. He said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to reviving traditional industries and ensuring that artisans receive both dignity and sustainable income.

The proposed hub will include retail shops, government-run showrooms, live demonstration units, training centres, an audio-visual gallery, an open-air auditorium, and an Odia food court. It will also serve as a one-stop destination showcasing Odisha’s diverse handicrafts, including its GI-tagged products, aimed at attracting both domestic and international tourists.

Beyond infrastructure, the project places strong emphasis on livelihood generation. More than 6,000 artisans, including women from self-help groups, are expected to directly benefit. The hub will provide access to a Raw Material Bank to reduce production costs, while also offering training in digital marketing, modern packaging, and e-commerce platforms to help artisans expand their reach in online and export markets.

 Pic Credit: https://x.com/MohanMOdisha

Officials said the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern business opportunities. By integrating tourism, trade, and skill development under one roof, the hub is expected to boost local incomes and create a sustainable ecosystem for artisans in Pipili and surrounding regions.

Local artisans welcomed the announcement, describing it as a long-awaited recognition of their work. For many families engaged in Chandua craft for generations, the project represents hope for better earnings, wider visibility, and renewed interest in their heritage art form.

State leaders present at the ceremony said the hub will also strengthen Pipili’s position as a cultural destination, encouraging visitors to experience Odisha’s artistic traditions firsthand rather than viewing them only as commercial products.

Once completed, the Pipili Chandua Handicraft Hub is expected to become a landmark centre for craft promotion, tourism, and rural entrepreneurship, reinforcing Odisha’s identity as one of India’s leading hubs of traditional handicrafts.