Central Government taking steps to promote handloom, local artisans, says MP Prof. Dr. Medha Kulkarni

Pune, 30th August 2026: The Central Government is implementing several initiatives to promote India’s handloom sector and create better market opportunities for products made by local artisans, said Rajya Sabha MP and Chairperson of a Parliamentary Committee, Prof Dr Medha Kulkarni.

Kulkarni was speaking at the inauguration of the Pune outlet of Nirupa’s Yeola Paithani and Silk Sarees, a leading brand of Yeola Paithani sarees. After Thane, the brand has opened its new showroom on Bhandarkar Road in central Pune.

Kulkarni said India is known for different varieties of textiles across its regions and stressed the need to preserve traditional weaving skills and livelihoods.

“India has different kinds of textiles that are renowned across regions. The government is undertaking various initiatives to promote handloom and provide market access to products made by local artisans. These include National Handloom Day, MSME schemes, credit facilities for artisans and continued efforts to support traditional occupations,” she said.

“Sarees have a special place in the lives of Indian women, and saree weaving is an art. The government is working to promote this art and the livelihoods it supports. Women in Pune are discerning customers and understand sarees well. It is commendable that Nirupa’s sarees are made by encouraging local artisans,” Kulkarni added.

She also said efforts were underway to explore providing space at railway stations for textile outlets and the sale of locally made handicraft products. Such initiatives, she said, would help preserve traditional arts and occupations and pass them on to future generations.

Nirupa Tayade, founder of Nirupa’s, said the new showroom offers an extensive collection of authentic Yeola Paithani and silk sarees. The Pune outlet is the brand’s first in the city, with handloom sarees ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 7 lakh.

“The collection includes traditional Yeola Paithani, Banarasi, silk and Patola sarees, along with contemporary designs featuring Zardozi and pearl work. Special attention has been given to the texture and finishing of every saree,” Tayde said.

According to Tayde, the sarees are woven on authentic handlooms and feature craftsmanship carried out by artisans. The brand has a presence in Thane and Mumbai and is now looking to establish itself among Pune’s discerning saree buyers.

Actor Prajakta Mali is the brand ambassador of Nirupa’s. Tayde said Mali recently wore a Nirupa’s saree on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. Actors Ketaki Mategaonkar and Abhijit Khandkekar are also among the celebrities who have purchased sarees from the brand.

The inauguration was attended by Tayade’s mother Vandana Wajare, Akhil Bharatiya Chitrapat Mahamandal president Meghraj Rajebhosale, Esham Tayade, Dilip Khaire, Dhiraj Wajare, Ganesh Doke, Mahesh Gaikwad, Yogita Gaikwad, Tushar Khaire, Sarang Magar, Vaishali Doke and Rohit Doke, among others.

Tayade added that customers purchasing sarees from the new showroom during the first seven days of its opening would be offered special discounts.