NewzVille Desk
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today laid the foundation stone for the construction of a modern ‘Pipili Chandua Handicraft Hub’ in Jagannathpur Mouza under Pipili Tehsil. The project will be built on more than 5 acres of land with an investment of about Rs 80 crore from the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department.
Speaking on the occasion of the foundation stone laying, the Chief Minister said that Pipili Chandua is not just a handicraft, it is the pride of the Odia nation and the identity of ‘Odia Asmita’. This art is inextricably linked with the service of Lord Jagannath and the Rath Yatra. Due to the shortsightedness of the previous governments, these world-famous artisans were deprived of their rights for years.
The Chief Minister said that today’s foundation stone laying is a strong response to that selfish politics and said that our government is not only laying the foundation stone, but also has a record of completing the work and inaugurating it within the stipulated time.
It is worth noting that this five-storey integrated “Craft, Culture and Tourism Hub” to be built will have all the latest facilities like 50 commercial shops, 6 government showrooms, live demonstration center, training center, audio-visual gallery, open-air theater, Odia food court.
In the hub, all 64 approved handicrafts of Odisha including Chandua and 6 GI. Approved arts will be displayed and sold.
Addressing the people of Pipili, the Chief Minister said that more than 6,000 artisans of Pipili and the surrounding areas will be directly benefited by this project. A ‘Raw Material Bank’ will be set up here to provide raw materials to the artisans at affordable prices. In addition, keeping in mind the e-commerce era, artisans, especially women self-help groups (SHG), mothers and sisters will be empowered by providing training in digital marketing and packaging.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister honored renowned Chandua artist Suresh Chandra Mohapatra.
Minister for Handicrafts, Textiles and Handicrafts Pradeep Bala Samanta said that Pipili Chandua is the pride and glory of Odisha. It is the essence of our traditional heritage. It is a reflection of our identity.
Puri MP Dr. Sambit Patra thanked the Chief Minister for fulfilling the long-awaited hope of the people of Pipili. Along with this, he expressed gratitude to both the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister for the BCPPER project being implemented due to the sincere efforts of the Chief Minister for the overall development of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradeep and the growth of the economic system of Odisha.
Pipili MLA Ashrit Patnaik delivered the welcome speech at the event and expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for providing this invaluable gift to the people of Pipili.
Puri District Planning Board Chairman and Satyabadi MLA Om Prakash Mishra proposed the vote of thanks.
Brahmagiri MLA Upasana Mohapatra, Commissioner and Secretary of Handicrafts, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, Guha Punam Tapas Kumar, and District Magistrate Puri Divyajyoti Parida were also present at the event.
