Overview The Ministry of Textiles is organizing a National Conference on Handlooms & Handicrafts in Bhubaneswar, Odisha , from October 31st to November 1st, 2025 . This conference, organized by the Offices of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms & Handicrafts) , aims to address the opportunities and challenges within India's handmade sector and to discuss an upcoming new scheme under the Government of India. Key Developments Conference Details Date: October 31st - November 1st, 2025 Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha Organized by: Offices of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms & Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles Inaugural Session Chief Guest: Shri Manoj Ahuja , Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha Guest of Honour: Smt. Anu Garg , Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Planning & Convergence, Govt. of Odisha Second Day Session Inauguration by: Smt. Neelam Shami Rao , Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India Session Topics: "New Schemes for Handloom & Handicraft Sectors – a Paradigm Shift" and "Substantive changes in the governance structure" Objectives Understand the opportunities and challenges of the Handmade sector in India. Deliberate on the upcoming new scheme for the sector under the Government of India, which proposes substantive changes in the governance structure. Shape a future roadmap for the Handloom & Handicraft sector. UPSC Relevance This conference is relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Exam as it touches upon key aspects of Indian culture, government policies, and economic development. The handloom and handicraft sector is an important part of India's cultural heritage and provides livelihoods to a significant number of artisans and weavers. GS Paper Relevance GS1: Indian Culture - Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. GS2: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. GS3: Indian Economy - Issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Key Participants The conference will bring together senior officials from the States/UTs and representatives of the Handloom & Handicraft sectors. Active participation of State officials is crucial in shaping a robust governance framework and ensuring effective delivery of benefits to artisans and weavers across the country. Important Facts The conference aims to provide a common platform for dialogue, collaboration, and policy convergence among stakeholders. The new scheme proposes much higher engagement with the States/UTs. Dr. M. Beena , Development Commissioner (Handlooms), and Ms. Amrit Raj , Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles Government of India, will also grace the inaugural session. Smt. Poonam Guha Tapas Kumar , Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts, Government of Odisha will also grace the inaugural session.