Bhubaneswar: Students at various government educational institutions in the state will soon don uniforms made from Sambalpuri handloom.

The dress code will be initially implemented in the colleges from the next academic session. Later, the plan will be initiated at the schools as well.

"I have discussed the matter with the mass education minister and concerned secretaries time and again," handloom and textile minister Snehangini Chhuria said while addressing a seminar tilted Sambalpuri Dress Code in Educational Institutions last week.

She further said discussions were on with the school and mass education department for finalising the modalities of the project.

The government is making efforts to reduce the prices of Sambalpuri fabric. The chief minister has also written to the Centre to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on handloom products.

Artists feel the move will be helpful in creating awareness among the upcoming generations about the traditional fabrics of the state.

"Children and youth these days are mostly inclined towards western attires. Although a number of young entrepreneurs from the state have taken the initiative to promote handloom and handicraft from the state, it is very important that a sense of belongingness is created in them," said Jagannath Meher, a senior weaver.

He further said that the move would be helpful in strengthening the economy of the state, as it will bring about more employment.

The state government will soon establish the handlooms and handicrafts development and promotion council with an aim to ensure comprehensive growth of handlooms and handicrafts sectors.

The headquarters of the handlooms and handicrafts development and promotion council will be in Bhubaneswar.

The council will assess the impact of various schemes and programmes being implemented for weavers and artisans from time to time and advice the government for framing policies for the handlooms and handicrafts sectors.