New Lease Of Life For Handicrafts Under GHPP And DDW In AP
Andhra Pradesh is training 770 handicraft artisans under GHPP and DDW programmes to modernise traditional crafts, improve market appeal and boost livelihoods.
The Centre and the state government have launched a training programme for handicraft artisans across Andhra Pradesh to preserve traditional art forms while adapting them to modern tastes and styles.
Handlooms and textiles minister S. Savita said 770 artisans would undergo training under two modules — Guru-Shishya Hasth Shilp Prashikshan (GHPP) and Design Development Workshops (DDW). The Centre has sanctioned `1.35 crore, of which `1.01 crore has been released for the first phase.
The GHPP module will run for two months, while DDW workshops will be conducted for one month. Certain crafts, including wooden toys, will receive extended training. The focus will be on combining traditional skills with modern designs to improve market appeal and income.
Under the Improved Tool Kit Distribution Programme (ITDP), 200 artisans from clusters in Anantapur, Palnadu and Anakapalli will receive training and modern tool kits. The crafts covered include banana fibre work, bamboo and cane art, wood turning, lacquerware and Durgi stone carving.
Training will also cover block printing, kalamkari, terracotta figurines, lace-making, imitation jewellery, Bobbili veena, tribal paintings and coconut shell art. Districts including Krishna, Guntur, NTR, Konaseema, Tirupati, Chittoor, East Godavari, Nandyal and Vizianagaram will benefit from the programme.
Minister Savita said the government’s primary objective was to secure national recognition for Andhra Pradesh’s handicrafts while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for artisans.
“By offering modern designs, quality tools, and structured training, we are determined to strengthen artisans economically while safeguarding cultural heritage,” she said.
The programme aims to enhance the visibility of Andhra Pradesh’s handicrafts in national and global markets and equip artisans with skills suited to changing consumer preferences.
