GANGTOK, : Commerce & Industries minister T.T. Bhutia today inaugurated the newly-renovated sales emporium of Sikkim Handloom Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited (SHHDCL) here at Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms.
The upgraded emporium aims to showcase Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage and provide a high-quality shopping experience for visitors and locals alike.
Commerce & Industries secretary Karma Youtso, MSME director M. Ravi Kumar, members of the Board of SHHDCL along with DHH director-cum-SHHDCL CEO Tshering Topgay Bhutia, and officials, staff of DHH and SHHDCL were present during the inauguration.
Addressing media, minister T.T. Bhutia, who is also the chairman of SHHDCL, said that the renovation and modernization of the sales emporium at DHH happened after many years. “The emporium has been upscaled so that the visitors, tourist, buyers coming into the emporium see the rich history, tradition, heritage of Sikkim, and feel the quality of products they are purchasing,” he said.
The upgraded emporium has dedicated sections for woven products, handicrafts and other locally-made products. Equipped with modern billing systems, the facility aims to provide an efficient shopping experience.
Bhutia said the State government is committed to support local artisans and contributing to Chief Minister P.S. Tamang’s vision of “One Family, One Entrepreneur.” He expressed hope that the revamped emporium would play a role in preserving Sikkim’s cultural identity through arts and crafts.
SHHDCL was formed in 2003 with a concept of facilitating a marketing platform for the artisans, weavers of the State to display, sale of their finished product.
The SHHDCL board also held its first physical meeting since its formation today. The meeting discussed boosting rural artisans and weavers across state by facilitating raw materials to them.