Bhubaneswar: The government has prepared a blueprint to promote the handicrafts of the state.

Focus will be on creation of material banks and more online sale of the products. Besides, the cluster development activities will be held.

Moreover, emphasis is also given on Utkalika, Odisha State Co-operative Handicraft Corporation Limited, and enhancing its reach. "We will provide 15 per cent more dearness allowance to the workers of Utkalika," said Snehangini Chhuria, minister of the state handloom and handicrafts department.

Exhibitions will be held on various handcrafts from the state. Recently, exhibition was held on the chandua form of crafts. "We will focus on various forms of crafts and conduct exhibitions. This will help in promoting each of the crafts," said Chhuria.

Recently, it was found out that artisans engaged in the handicraft and handloom sectors in the state were earning less than Rs 50 per head a day, according to information furnished in the Assembly.

At present, there are 14 outlets of Utkalika. "We want to increase the number of outlets and focus on online marketing and selling of the products," said Chhuria.