Skill development training encouraging new leather entrepreneurs in Tripura

AGARTALA, Jan. 20: Footwear artisans of Tripura who traditiolly have been learning the art from their forefathers, are being trained on the latest machines and with scientific knowledge.

Due to available of various fashioble items in the market the local leather artisans were facing difficulties. They were uble to make such items as did not have the knowledge and skill in making of quality footwear items using modern machineries and so uble to market their products.

It is in this context, NB Institute of Rural Technology, Arkaneer a non-profit making organization in association with Welfare for SCs, OBCs and Minorities Department, Govt. of Tripura has come forward and set up training cum common facilities centre for leather goods artisans of Tripura at Arundhutigar Industrial Estate, in West Tripura District.

The training centre is first of its kind in the state of Tripura where the leather artisans particularly the youths go through one year’s training in skill development training programme through application of science and technology.

 “For the last six months I am learning to make various kinds of bags like ladies bags, purse, handbag, Chi bag, diary bag etc. I am taking the training so that it is useful in future and I am interested in starting a business of making bags,” said Archa Rishidas, a Trainee.  

The trainees designed by IGNOU consist of two semesters of six months each generally undergo the following training: awareness phase, theory on leather technology, practical training, advance training and production of leather goods like shoes, various bag items, purse and setting up of units.

The absolute emphasis of this program is to eble the students acquire a solid foundation from which they can design footwear, bags, garments or other utility goods from leather and specialized executive training in leather upholstery is provided in with the latest techniques and technology by experts from outside the state so that they man produce quality products which has huge potential in the local as well as market outside.

 “I have been a student here last year but from last August I joined here as a trainer. In present group there are 20 students of which seven are male while 13 others are female. First they learn to make various fashioble bags available in the marker and after completion of six months we teach them to make shoes. After training I got job here, moreover, this is common facility centre and so if they want they can continue to work here and I have done that,” said Sampa Das, Trainee turned Trainer.

Various machineries have been installed at the training centre so that the young artisans learn how to design the right product for the right market and how to develop their design in the most efficient way.

Moreover, during the training the trainees are also given a better understanding of the unique characteristics of leather, its product performance, design, production and quality craftsmanship to ensure that trainees have a 360 degree view of the work so that after completion of their course these young able designers have exciting career prospects.  Beside the trainees during the training also get monthly stipend of Rs 1200.

Today the leather market is recognized as a vital-and extremely lucrative-part of the fashion industry, where even top- me designers have ventured with outstanding success. This has created a greater need for trained professiols skilled in leather design and production. And these young able designers has huge prospect in that end.

While others believe that the expert guidance of the resources has provided them with the confidence that they will turn into master craftsmen using the innovative technology will be able to produce standard quality leather products and with small bank loans shall be able to open their enterprises and be not only self employed but also provide employment to other. (ANI)