The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has launched the National Rural Economic Transformation Project (NRETP), {now, National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) – Cluster Development Programme (CDP)}, to promote growth and development of clusters. As a Technical Support Agency (TSA) to State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs), EDII is engaged in providing technical assistance to 1805 artisans in 6 clusters.
NRETP Highlights till date:
- 1805Artisans Mobilized
- 421Artisan Cards Issued
- 16 Skill Trainings Conducted
- 449Artisans Trained
Glimpses of activities during the last two months:
Dahod Pottery Cluster
On October 13, 2025, (R) Santosh Sharma, Cluster Development Executive (CDE) met Kalpesh Garvi, Taluka Development Officer (TDO), Zalod, to showcase the progress and products of the Dahod Pottery Producer Company Limited (DPPCL). The TDO assured strong institutional support and committed to promoting maximum sales through DPPCL. This support is expected to strengthen local market access and boost sales.
Additionally, a workshop was conducted from 11th-12th October, 2025 at the Common Facility Centre (CFC) focussed on imparting training on new product creation.
Kolhapuri Chappal Cluster
A premium batch of handcrafted Kolhapuri chappals was prepared for a sample export order to Japan via Chennai B2B, marking a significant milestone in expanding the cluster’s global market reach. In addition, the Kolhapuri Chappal Cluster has officially secured a new B2B tie-up with an emerging brand that is launching a specialized line of vegan leather chappals. This collaboration represents an important step towards product diversification and sustainability-focused innovation within the cluster.
On 20th November 2025, an important meeting was held between the officials from Kolhapur Airport and the Zila Parishad (ZP) Kolhapur. The discussions focused on enhancing market visibility for cluster products. Mr. Karthikeyan S, IAS, CEO, Zila Parishad (ZP), Kolhapur directed that footwear and accessories of Kolhapuri Leather & Chappal Work Producer Company Ltd. (KLCWPCL) be positioned as the primary products for sale at the airport stall. This directive opens a valuable retail opportunity at a prominent public location, providing increased exposure to domestic and international travellers.
October 8, 2025: (C) Mr. Rajat Verma, Senior Assistant Director, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India reviewed the ongoing activities of the cluster and appreciated the efforts of the producer company & artisans.
On November 7, 2025, the company successfully conducted its second Cluster Level Working Committee (CLWC) Meeting, marking a significant step in strengthening institutional processes and collective decision-making within the cluster.
October 8, 2025: Artisan Krishna Devi showcased Dausa’s handcrafted leather products at Sumangala Deepawali Mela, Jaipur, where she had special interaction with the Hon’ble Agriculture Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Kirori Mal Meena Ji.
Additionally, on October 11, artisans from the Dausa Rajsakhi Leather Producer Company Limited participated in the Gandhi Shilp Bazar, Mathura, gaining valuable market exposure.
Channapatna Wooden Toy Cluster
Channapatna Wooden Toy Cluster saw several key developments in the last two months. On October 17, 2025, the Common Facility Centre (CFC) was inaugurated at the company’s dedicated building, equipped with the newly installed machinery to enhance production and improve quality in toy manufacturing. The event was attended by Mr. Chikkasubaiya, Chief planning officer, Zilla Panchayat; Mr. Shivkumar, Assistant Secretary; Zilla Panchayat; District Programme Manager from the Zilla Panchayat, Board Members, artisans, Taluka National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) staff, along with the CEO and CDE of the Channapatna Toys Producer Company Limited.
Ms. Lakshmi G, President; Ms. Syeda Rizwana Banu, Secretary; Mr. Sanjay Shetti, CEO and Mr. Shivraja, Cluster Development Executive (CDE) of the Channapatna Toys Producer Company Limited represented the cluster at the Bengaluru Skill Summit 2025, held on November 5 – 6, 2025 at The Lalitha Ashok, Bengaluru. The Summit was organized by the Karnataka Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Department. The summit provided valuable exposure to emerging trends, potential collaborations and innovative approaches to skill enhancement.