Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj inaugurated the exhibition organized by H.P. State Handicraft and Handloom Corporation Limited in collaboration with Ministry of Handloom, Government of India. Industries and Transport Minister Bikram Singh was present as guest of honour on this occasion. Urban Development Minister extended International Women's Day greeting and said that the handcraft and handloom industries has been economically strengthening the women of rural areas and contributing in conserving the traditional Himachali artisans. He said that Covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected every trade and this exhibition would help the weavers to market their products.Industries Minister Bikram Singh said that under the able leadership of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, the state government has implemented several schemes to make the weavers self sufficient. He said that about 15 thousand persons were associated with Handloom industries.
To promote handloom industries amongst youth the designers are collaborating with various institutions and making all out effort to design as per the requirement of the youth. In traditional handloom products local wool, Yak wool, Angora wool and Marino wool is used which is expensive.He said that the designs of Kullu and Kinnaur Shawl have got GI mark and the state government was making efforts to get other products under this as well.Managing Director, H.P. State Handicraft and Handloom Corporation Limited, Kumund Singh said that in this exhibition organized from 8 March to 14 March, 2022, only those weaver are eligible who have been given handloom mark by government of India and had applied for it.In this week long exhibition, 25 weavers from different districts were participating.Vice Chairman H.P. State Handicraft and Handloom Corporation Limited Sanjeev Katwal, Mayor M.C. Shimla Satya Kaundal, Deputy Mayor Shailender Chauhan, Councilor and various other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.