Development Research Communication and Services Centre (DRCSC), in collaboration with Merlin Group, organised a capacity-building workshop on jute-based handicrafts for women from the slum communities of Dhapa.
Ms. Ekata Bepari, Assistant Director, Eastern Region, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, graced the occasion and encouraged the participating women trainees.
The Capacity-Building Workshop on Jute-Based Handicrafts is an initiative of Merlin Group in association with DRCSC aimed at empowering women from urban slum communities through skill development and sustainable livelihood generation. The programme addresses the growing need for alternative sources of income for families facing economic challenges due to limited employment opportunities and changing waste management systems.
Earlier, Merlin Group had established a tailoring centre for women in the Dhapa slum area in collaboration with DRCSC and TDH Suisse Homes. DRCSC selected 25 women from the community for the current programme, including several trainees associated with the tailoring centre.
The workshop will provide hands-on training in jute handicrafts, block printing, garment production, cloth bag making, and other market-oriented crafts. Participants will be organised into self-managed enterprises under the banner of Maa Unnayan Samiti, promoting collective entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and economic independence. To encourage self-employment initiatives, Merlin Group has contributed Rs. 15,000 as seed capital to Maa Unnayan Samiti.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Ekata Bepari highlighted the various support mechanisms offered by the Ministry of Textiles for artisans and self-help groups engaged in jute-based craft production. She informed the participants that the that the Ministry issues Artisan Identity Cards to eligible trainees and actively supports self-help groups interested in learning and producing jute-based handicrafts.
She further noted that 16 artisans were honoured with awards this year, including six awardees from West Bengal. Trainees are encouraged to participate in textile fairs and exhibitions across India and are provided travel assistance for the same. She explained that these awards recognise exceptional craftsmanship, with the prestigious Shilp Guru Award being the highest honour conferred by the Government of India on master artisans. Ms. Bepari also informed the trainees about the pension benefits available to artisans above the age of 60.
Saket Mohta, Managing Director, Merlin Group, said that Merlin I Am Kolkata, the CSR arm of Merlin Group, has been working closely with the residents of Dhapa in partnership with TDH Suisse Homes and DRCSC. The initiative currently supports the education of nearly 490 children from the slum community. Three years ago, the organisation established a digital skill development centre for children and a tailoring centre for women. He expressed confidence that the jute handicrafts workshop would not only enhance the skills of participating women but also create opportunities for them to market and sell their products, thereby helping them achieve long-term economic self-reliance.
The training programme is being conducted by Kadambagachi Banglar Karushilpa Unnayan Sanstha, a social welfare organisation formed by a group of experienced artisans, both men and women, and formally registered in 2014 under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act.
Kadambagachi Banglar Karushilpa Unnayan Sanstha currently manages three marketing-cum-sales outlets located at Barasat (North 24 Parganas), Mandarmani (East Medinipur), and Dhakuria (Kolkata). These outlets will showcase and market quality products created by the artisan women from Dhapa. The organisation will also facilitate their participation in exhibitions and fairs organised by government agencies.
By prioritising quality craftsmanship, sourcing products directly from artisan groups, and adopting attractive packaging and marketing strategies, the organisation aims to enhance product visibility and improve sales prospects for the women entrepreneurs of Dhapa.
