Kolkata: State urban development and municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul has announced plans to set up a textile hub in the state to support local weavers, artisans and textile workers. “We don’t need to import clothes from abroad. Bengal has a rich tradition of handloom and textile industry. We have Fulia’s handloom, Santipur’s handloom, Bishnupur’s Baluchari and Murshidabad’s silk. There are many examples of the state’s art and tradition. We will try to build a hub, where textile artisans can improve their art and hone their skills, along with working there,” Paul said. She added that the goal was to reach the artisans’ products directly to exporters and traders. “Our purpose is to present Bengal’s handloom and textile industry on a larger scale by creating connections with international-standard infrastructure and markets,” the minister added.
