The five-day Training of Trainers (ToT) / Training of Assessors (ToA) programme commenced on 21 July 2026 at Deendayal Hastkala Sankul, Varanasi, with the active participation of 35 Master Craft Persons (MCPs) from the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The programme is being successfully conducted by the Handicrafts & Carpet Sector Skill Council (HCSSC) and is scheduled to continue from 21 July to 25 July 2026.
The inaugural session was graced by the august presence of Shri Virendra Kumar, Regional Director, Central Region, Shri Abdullah, Senior Assistant Director (Handicrafts), Central Regional Office, Lucknow, and Shri S. K. Singh, Senior Assistant Director (Handicrafts), Handicrafts Service Centre, Varanasi. The dignitaries emphasized the importance of strengthening the quality of skill development initiatives in the handicrafts sector and highlighted the vital role of trained instructors and assessors in nurturing a skilled artisan workforce capable of meeting evolving market demands.
The programme has been designed to create a pool of competent and certified Trainers and Assessors who can effectively deliver and evaluate skill development programmes under various initiatives of the Ministry of Textiles. Through interactive classroom sessions, practical demonstrations, and competency-based learning, participants are being equipped with modern training methodologies, assessment techniques, and industry best practices.
The major objectives of the programme are to:
- Develop a certified pool of Trainers and Assessors for the Handicrafts and Carpet Sector.
- Enhance quality assurance and standardization in skill development programmes.
- Bridge the skill gap between industry requirements and the availability of trained manpower.
- Equip trainers with knowledge of entrepreneurship development, financial literacy, digital tools, e-commerce, and various artisan welfare schemes.
The programme represents a significant step towards strengthening the skill ecosystem of the handicrafts sector by enhancing the professional capabilities of trainers and assessors. It is expected to contribute substantially to improving the quality of training delivery, promoting sustainable livelihoods for artisans, fostering entrepreneurship, and supporting the preservation and promotion of India’s rich handicrafts heritage through a skilled and certified workforce.
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