Science and Technology Resource Centre (STRC), Gondwana University, Gadchiroli, in collaboration with the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and Srushti Foundation, Gadchiroli, organised the second Chaupal programme at Yerandi, Kurkheda, on 15 July 2026. The initiative aimed to facilitate Artisan Card registration and create awareness about government schemes for artisans including financial assistance schemes and entrepreneurship support schemes.

The programme was inaugurated by Shri Vaibhav Ambekar, Naib Tehsildar, Kurkheda, in the presence of Shri Avdhesh Thakur, Additional Director, Shri Dilip Kumar, Handicrafts Promotion Officer, Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Shri Swapnil Girade, Chief Programme Officer and Head, STRC, along with officials from various departments, artisans from Kurkheda, Wadsa and Korchi.

During the programme, participants were introduced to benefits of the Artisan Card, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), and other welfare schemes of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts). Experts also conducted an interactive session addressing participants’ queries related to financial assistance, skill development, entrepreneurship, and market linkages.

A total of 85 artisans participated in the programme. Preliminary Artisan Card registration was facilitated through document collection and verification, enabling eligible artisans to move forward in obtaining official artisan recognition and access to government support programmes, skill development initiatives, and wider market opportunities.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Vaibhav Ambekar encouraged artisans to make effective use of government schemes to strengthen their livelihoods and promote self-reliance. Shri Avdhesh Thakur highlighted the importance of the Artisan Card in improving access to institutional support, financial assistance, and market opportunities. The programme was successfully coordinated with the support of Shri Keshav Gurnule, Director, Srushti Foundation, Gadchiroli.

The Chaupal programme reflects STRC’s continued commitment to strengthening the rural artisan ecosystem by facilitating access to government services, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering sustainable livelihood development through inter-institutional collaboration.