The Apparel Training & Design Centre. Telegraph picture

Ranchi, Aug. 29: When it comes to fashion, Jharkhand is not far behind.

Experts trained in the state would now design clothes for reputed apparel houses in Noida, Bangalore and Calcutta. Apparel Training and Design Centre (ATDC), Irba, near the state capital, has trained and recruited several students for the task.

“This was our first batch of fashion designers. We have been able to make a good start and several of our students have found a place in good houses,” said Debashish Bagche, the principal of the institute.

While five students have been placed in two apparel houses in Noida (Zenthy Apparel and Allied Apparel), three students were recruited by Calcutta-based companies. One student has bagged a job at Texpo, Bangalore, while several others would work in the city.

Last year, the fashion design centre at Irba started a diploma course in fashion design and production technology under a public-private partnership. The state government funded Rs 77 lakh in the project. Seventy-three designers were part of the 2007-08 batch, including 10 tribal students, who are now working as fashion designers

Besides ATDC, other institutions are also offering a course in fashion design.

“Even in Jharkhand, fashion technology and design holds a great future,” said Arunima Kujur, a student who has been recruited with Jaypee Apparel House in Ranchi. The opportunity in the field of fashion has gone up after the state government recently decided to re-invent khadi.

Dhirendra Kumar, the director of the state handicraft department, said designers would be appointed to guide weavers and help produce attractive products.