Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Asit Kumar Tripathi today directed the development of Balizuri Hat in Bargarh as the largest open-air clothing market in Asia. Located seven kilometers from the town of Bargarh, the haat will have all the amenities and connections to the market. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Mr Tripathi today. The Chief Secretary has directed to make Odisha’s Bandhkala (ICT) a global brand. He encouraged ordinary people as well to take part in solving this great task: “One of the things you and other people can do is keep up the pressure … there are going to be some difficult decisions for government”. In the early stages, the government will focus on Pasapali, Sonpuri, Bomkei and Kotpada designs and develop them as ‘world designs’. The garments are being manufactured in Bargarh, Sonpur, Kalahandi and Koraput. Odisha’s architecture has also been given GI status. So far, 14 types of designs have been made, while the second phase of the design process is underway, said Handloom Director Jyoti Prakash Das. The meeting decided. Interest-free loans will be provided to Boynika, Utkalika and Sambalpuri garments to buy goods from weavers. The Chief Secretary has directed to arrange internships and scholarships to attract young talents towards costume design. He said the handloom market in Odisha had reached a level of Rs 400 crore and called for it to be expanded in the coming days. He asked Shubha Sharma, secretary of the textile, handloom and handicrafts department, to form a team of competent officials to try to attract private sector investment. State with e-commerce
