5,275 artisans across Western Odisha already
associated with the initiative; Centre to provide free skill training,
production support and market access
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BURLA, NOVEMBER 11, 2026
In a significant step towards empowering traditional artisans and
promoting sustainable livelihoods, TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited
(TPWODL) has set up its first ‘Anokha Dhaaga’ Centre in Sambalpur, aimed at
preserving the rich craft heritage of Western Odisha while creating new
economic opportunities for local artisan communities, particularly women.
The centre will provide free skill development, production support and
market linkages, enabling artisans to transform their traditional craftsmanship
into sustainable income-generating enterprises.
Anokha Dhaaga is a flagship livelihood and micro-enterprise
initiative of the Tata Power Community Development Trust (TPCDT), the
community-development arm of Tata Power. The programme focuses on empowering
women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), farmers' collectives, persons with
disabilities and local artisan groups by equipping them with relevant skills,
enterprise capabilities and market access.
The initiative has already established a substantial presence across the
country, engaging more than 15,000 active SHG members through 25 centres and
generating over Rs 5 crore in revenue through more than 50 business-to-business
(B2B) collaborations. Its network also encompasses over 2,700 SHGs with more
than 5,500 producer members.
In Western Odisha, approximately 5,275 artisans are already associated
with traditional crafts under the Anokha
Dhaaga programme. The newly inaugurated Sambalpur centre will further
strengthen this network, with a special focus on promoting the region's
distinctive cultural heritage, including Sambalpuri textiles, bamboo crafts,
terracotta and embroidery.
Through a structured approach encompassing community mobilisation, skill
enhancement, product development and production support, the centre will help
artisans improve the quality of their products, develop market-ready offerings
and explore new business opportunities.
Speaking on the initiative, Parveen Verma, CEO, TPWODL, said,
“Traditional crafts can become sustainable sources of livelihood when artisans
are equipped with the right skills and access to markets. Through Anokha Dhaaga, we aim to preserve the
rich craft heritage of Western Odisha while enabling local artisans,
particularly women, to build independent and sustainable enterprises. The
Sambalpur centre is a step in that direction.”
To ensure wider market access for locally produced handicrafts, TPWODL is
also developing a multi-channel marketing network that will combine direct
sales with opportunities to showcase products on leading e-commerce platforms,
including Amazon, Flipkart and Meesho. The initiative is expected to connect
artisans with customers beyond Western Odisha, opening up wider commercial
avenues and strengthening their earning potential.
Apart from promoting traditional craftsmanship, Anokha Dhaaga also supports sustainable livelihood opportunities through smart circularity and other community-based enterprise activities. These include converting recycled materials into useful products and creating additional income opportunities through agriculture and allied activities.
With the establishment of its first Anokha Dhaaga Centre in Sambalpur, TPWODL seeks to build a stronger support system for local artisans by bridging the gap between traditional skills, modern production practices, entrepreneurship and market opportunities. The initiative is expected to give fresh impetus to grassroots enterprise development while ensuring that the rich artistic traditions of Western Odisha receive greater recognition and commercial visibility.
