Building for sale of handloom items to be inaugurated next month: Minister

PATNA: An upcoming building dedicated to the sale of local handloom and handicraft products on Fraser Road in Patna would be inaugurated in October, said state industries minister, Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, on Thursday.

Speaking at an event organised by the Upendra Maharathi Shilp Anusadhan Sansthan at Bihar Museum to felicitate 40 craftsmen of the state, Shahnawaz pointed out that the industries department had also decided to tie up with leading e-commerce websites for providing a bigger market to the local artisans.

“We are making efforts to ensure that our craftsmen and artists build a strong customer base in different parts of India. However, their biggest achievement will be to make their products reach every nook and cranny of the world,” the minister said, adding that the industries department was also concerned about the people involved in small industries.

The minister also urged the state government to convince the dignitaries from other places to visit Bihar Museum whenever they are in Patna.

Of the 40 craftsmen, 20 received cheques of Rs 50,000 each and the remaining 20 got Rs 25,000 each.

Padma Shri awardee and Mithila painting artist, Baua Devi, who was also present on the occasion, said, “The craftsmen of Bihar are very courageous and hard-working. They give me the strength to never give up.”

The director of the Upendra Maharathi Shilp Anusadhan Sansthan, Ashok Kumar Sinha, thanked Shahnawaz for taking steps to promote the craftsmen and artists of Bihar.