Pawan Kalyan seeks faster rollout of common facility centres for artisans

Preservation of traditional crafts is a priority, says Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan | Photo Credit: File photo Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan has directed officials to expedite the establishment of common facility centres (CFCs) for traditional artisans, with a focus on training, product storage and display, marketing and improving livelihoods.In a press release on Tuesday, officials said a CFC for Savara tribal painters was being constructed at Sitampeta in Parvathipuram Manyam district with VB-G RAM G funds, following completion of land acquisition. Land had also been identified for centres for Banjara bag artisans in Madanapalle, banana-fibre artisans at Kurugunta in Anantapur district and Kalamkari artisans in Pedana. Construction is expected to begin after the necessary approvals are obtained.At Udayagiri in Nellore district, ₹12 lakh has been sanctioned from Rajya Sabha member Lingamaneni Ramesh’s MPLADS funds for repairs and additional facilities at the community centre for traditional wooden utensil makers. The works include construction of a compound wall, toilets and a storeroom.Mr. Pawan Kalyan has also directed officials to resume construction of a long-pending health centre for Etikoppaka artisans in Elamanchili mandal of Anakapalli district.The Deputy Chief Minister has been reviewing the implementation of assurances made to artisans during the recent Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Festival in Vijayawada. He stressed the need to preserve traditional crafts, improve marketing facilities and provide healthcare to artisans.A QR-code system is also being introduced for handicraft products, providing details of the artisan and the work involved. Mr. Pawan Kalyan directed officials to expedite its rollout to connect traditional crafts with younger consumers and global markets.As part of the healthcare initiatives, six free eye camps were conducted, covering 1,708 artisans. Around 93 cataract surgeries are being provided free of cost, while arrangements have been made to distribute spectacles to more than 1,253 artisans, the release said. Published - September 08, 2026 08:17 pm IST