Agartala : Footwear artisans of Tripura who traditionally have been learning the art from their forefathers, are being trained on the latest machines and with scientific knowledge. Due to availability of various fashionable items in the market the local leather artisans were facing difficulties. They were unable to make such items as did not have the knowledge and skill in making of quality footwear items using modern machineries and so unable to market their products. It is in this context, NB Institute of Rural Technology,
Arkaneer, a non-profit making organization in association with Welfare for SCs, OBCs and Minorities Department, Govt. of Tripura has come forward and set up training cum common facilities centre for leather goods artisans of Tripura at Arundhutinagar Industrial Estate, in West Tripura District. The training centre is first of its kind in the state of Tripura where the leather artisans particularly the youths go through one year’s training in skill development training programme through the application of science and technology. “For the last six months I am learning to make various kinds of bags like ladies bags, purse, handbag, China bag, diary bag etc.
I am taking the training so that it is useful in future and I am interested in starting a business of making bags,” said Archana Rishidas, a Trainee. The trainees designed by IGNOU consist of two semesters of six months each generally undergo the following training: awareness phase, theory on leather technology, practical training, advance training and production of leather goods like shoes, various bag items, purse and setting up of units. The absolute emphasis of this program is to enable the students acquire a solid foundation from which they can design footwear, bags, garments or other utility goods from leather and specialized executive training in leather upholstery is provided in with the latest techniques and technology by experts from outside the state so that they man produce quality products which has huge potential in the local as well as market outside.
“I have been a student here last year but from last August I joined here as a trainer. In present group there are 20 students of which seven are male while 13 others are female. First they learn to make various fashionable bags available in the marker and after completion of six months we teach them to make shoes.
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