Boost To Handicrafts Sector: MH Govt Extends Infrastructure Support for Establishing Training Centres

Delhi/NCR, 25 July 2025 – The high level delegation from EPCH, led by Chairman Dr. Neeraj Khanna met Deependra Singh Kushwah, IAS, Development Commissioner (Industries) for the Government of Maharashtra. During the meeting Avdesh Agarwal, Chief Convenor EPCH; Ravi Kumar Passi, Member CoA & Former Chairman EPCH & Mr. Pradip Muchhala, Western Region Convenor EPCH were also present informed R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH

During the meeting delegation discussed the potential of developing Handicrafts Training Centre in Maharashtra which will enhance handicraft exports from the state. Followed by the meeting, the Government of Maharashtra announced to support to provide fully developed infrastructure to EPCH for establishing Handicrafts Innovation, Design Development, Technology Upgradation, and Artisans’ Training Centers in three major cities of Maharashtra —Mumbai, Thane, and Pune.

At today’s UPITS Road Show in Mumbai, Deependra Singh Kushwah IAS, Development Commissioner (Industries), Government of Maharashtra, lauded EPCH’s efforts and contribution to the handicrafts industry. He further announced that the Maharashtra Government will extend full infrastructure support in Mumbai, Thane, and Pune for EPCH to establish state-of-the-art incubation centers. These centers will include design and innovation facilities, skill development programs, and other initiatives to foster the growth and development of the handicrafts sector.

Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman EPCH also joined the UPITS Road Show at Mumbai.

Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman – EPCH shared that “We are grateful to the Government of Maharashtra and Deependra Singh Kushwah, IAS, for his proactive support in strengthening the handicrafts ecosystem in the state. The commitment to provide fully developed infrastructure in Mumbai, Thane, and Pune for establishing Handicrafts Innovation, Design Development, Technology Upgradation, and Artisans’ Training Centres is a landmark step. These state-of-the-art centers will not only enhance skill development and design innovation will empower artisans and entrepreneurs, boosting India’s handicraft exports. EPCH looks forward to collaborating closely with the state government to make these initiatives a success and create sustainable opportunities for artisans”

Dr. Khanna also extended invitation to attend upcoming 60th edition of the IHGF Delhi Fair – Autumn 2025 to Deependra Singh Kushwah which was graciously accepted by him.

Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts is a nodal agency for promotion of exports of handicrafts from the Country and create brand image of magic of the gifted hands of millions of craftspersons engaged in production of home, lifestyle, textiles, furniture and fashion jewellery & accessories products in different craft clusters of the Country. The overall Handicrafts exports during the year 2024-25 was Rs. 33,123 Crores (US $ 3,918 Million) informed by R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH.