Guru–Shisya Hastshilp Prashikshyan Programme (GSHPP), sponsored by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, was inaugurated on January 9 at the Forest Club Hall, Haddo, marking a focused initiative to strengthen skill development and livelihood opportunities for women artisans in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The training programme is being implemented by the Handicrafts Service Centre, Sri Vijaya Puram, and aims to preserve traditional handicraft practices while enhancing employability and economic self-reliance among women.
The inaugural session saw the participation of 30 selected women handicraft artisans, reflecting growing interest in structured skill development programmes within the local handicrafts sector. The initiative is designed to equip participants with hands-on training in coir handicrafts through the traditional guru–shishya model, combining knowledge transfer with practical experience.
The programme was chaired by T. Vijay, IIS, Media and Communication Officer, who attended as the chief guest. K. Kumaravel, Assistant Director, Handicrafts Service Centre, Sri Vijaya Puram, and the President of Kurundham Helping Hand NGO were also present during the inaugural event.
The programme began with a welcome address by Kamala, Master Craftsperson, who welcomed the dignitaries and trainees and highlighted the importance of preserving traditional handicraft skills through mentorship-based training models.
Addressing the participants, Kumaravel encouraged the women artisans to actively engage in the training sessions and make full use of the opportunity to acquire specialised skills in coir handicrafts. He assured the trainees that all necessary raw materials required for the duration of the training would be provided by the Handicrafts Service Centre to ensure uninterrupted learning.
In his address, Vijay motivated the participants to view the training as a pathway towards economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. He noted that the Government of India has introduced multiple schemes aimed at strengthening Self Help Groups and supporting women artisans through skill development, financial assistance and market access.
He further advised the trainees to register under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) framework and the Coir Board upon completion of the programme. Such registrations, he said, would enable artisans to access government schemes, credit facilities and wider marketing platforms, helping them scale up production and improve income stability.
The Guru–Shisya Hastshilp Prashikshyan Programme is part of a broader effort to revitalise traditional crafts while creating sustainable employment opportunities at the grassroots level. By focusing on women artisans, the initiative seeks to promote inclusive growth and strengthen the handicrafts ecosystem in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Officials said the programme would not only help preserve indigenous craft traditions but also contribute to long-term livelihood enhancement by integrating skill development with institutional support mechanisms.
