The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is implementing a pilot project of footwear manufacturing under Gramodyog Vikash Yojana in order to impart new skills to the artisans.
According to the reports, under this project taken up by KVIC’s Odisha office, two months long skill upgradation training for footwear manufacturing to 20 leather artisans of two Self Help Groups (SHGs) of Dasapalla in Nayagarh district has been inaugurated. The training will be provided by the master trainers of Central Footwear Technology Institute, Agra. During the two months period, the artisans will acquire skills in new footwear designs and manufacturing processes.
After completion of the training, machines and tools worth Rs. five lakh required for footwear manufacturing will be provided to the trainees. Assistance will also be provided to open new sales counters. The trainee leather artisans of Dasapalla are traditionally engaged in leathercraft. Their ancestors of the trainees have been engaged in manufacturing various kinds of leather articles since the 15th Century.
During the inaugural function, Dasapalla MLA R C Behera, PD, DRDA, Nayagarh, Director, Central Footwear Technology Institute, Agra and senior officials of the district, ORMAS and Mission Shakti were present. Samir Kumar Mohaty, State Director said the traditional leather artisans of Dasapalla will learn new skills of footwear designs and manufacturing processes, using modern Technology. The women artisans can use Technology and mechanical processes instead of manual processes in which they have been manufacturing footwear till now. This will make them financially stronger.
The KVIC State Office and ORMAS have entered into an MOU in terms of which ORMAS will provide marketing support to the artisans and help the artisans participate in various exhibitions organize
