The Ministry of Textiles launched a nationwide Chaupal Programme in New Delhi during the ongoing National Handicrafts Week celebrations.
The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) organised the event, and Textile Secretary Neelam Shami Rao attended as the chief guest. Senior ministry officials, nodal officers from various states, and handicraft stakeholders also joined the programme.
Through this initiative, the ministry aims to promote awareness about India’s rich handicraft traditions, foster entrepreneurship, and create sustainable handicraft clusters aligned with the National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP). Guided by the principles of reform, performance, transformation, and information, the programme will establish district-level chaupals across 100 aspirational districts. These chaupals will serve as permanent platforms for artisan enrollment, scheme awareness, skill development, and entrepreneurship promotion.
At the launch, Secretary Neelam Shami Rao reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s vibrant handicraft ecosystem and empowering artisans at the grassroots level. She emphasised that the Chaupal Programme will act as a transformative platform to enhance craft awareness, encourage youth participation, and expand entrepreneurial opportunities. As a result, the initiative will contribute to sustainable livelihoods in handicraft clusters.
During the rollout, the Textile Secretary interacted with nodal officers from the selected 100 districts. She distributed Chaupal Kits equipped with audio-visual materials and essential tools to support interactive district-level outreach. With these kits, officials can conduct demonstrations, awareness sessions, capacity-building workshops, and digital onboarding of artisans.
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