The handloom industry, a cornerstone of India’s rural economy, provides employment to millions and plays a vital role in preserving the country’s cultural heritage. Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles, will inaugurate the new permanent campus of the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) in Fulia, West Bengal, on January 04, 2025.
The institute, part of a network of six IIHTs established to preserve the unique identity of handlooms and address the industry's technical manpower needs, has been developed with a Government of India investment of Rs 75.95 crore.
The new campus, spread over 5.38 acres, boasts modern facilities, including smart classrooms, a digital library, a computer lab, and specialized textile labs such as those for textile testing, weaving with electronic jacquard, and general engineering. Additionally, the campus offers residential facilities, including staff quarters and separate hostels for boys and girls, ensuring a safe and holistic learning environment for students.
During the inauguration, Giriraj Singh will plant saplings under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative and award medals and merit certificates to the top 10 rank holders among all IIHTs across India. A unified website for all six IIHTs will also be launched, alongside the release of a book titled Computer-aided Figured Graph Designing for Jacquard Weaving.
The new facility aims to serve as a Center of Excellence in handloom and textile technology, benefiting students from West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Sikkim, particularly those from rural and semi-urban areas. It is expected to enhance employment opportunities and improve the livelihoods of local communities in Fulia and surrounding areas.
Several dignitaries, including Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Union Minister of State for Education, Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, and other prominent officials, will attend the event, marking a significant milestone for the handloom sector.
