The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms in Gangtok, Sikkim, is the most important centre for the preservation, training, and promotion of traditional Sikkimese arts and crafts. Established in 1957 as a Technical Institute for Training and Production of traditional arts and crafts, it has grown over the decades into a major institution that employs hundreds of artisans and reaches thousands of trainees across the state.
History and Purpose of the Directorate
The main objectives of the Directorate are to:
- Preserve the traditional arts and crafts of Sikkim
- Encourage local people to develop their skills through training and upgrade programmes
- Increase employment opportunities in the handloom and handicrafts sector
- Earn national and international recognition for the handlooms and handicrafts of Sikkim
Started with a handful of trainees in its first year, the Directorate has grown to an impressive scale. Today, it runs more than 32 training centres throughout the state and one emporium at Sikkim House in New Delhi. There are 13 production units, approximately 170–250 paid workers, and 260 personnel including officers and support staff.
