Bhubaneswar, April 22: The much-awaited mega textile museum being set up by the state government at Gandamunda here will be inaugurated by end of this year to commemorate the birth centenary of Biju Patnaik.

The museum is being set up on 12 acres adjacent to the State Institute for Development of Arts & Crafts. It will showcase traditional and languishing handloom and handicrafts of Odisha.

Handlooms, textile and handicrafts minister Snehangini Chhuria conducted a review meeting this week to expedite the construction.

"The construction of the museum is in its last stage. Beautification work is under way and that items that will be displayed, are being collected," said Chhuria.

The handloom section of the museum will showcase fabrics from various districts of Odisha. Fabrics and dresses associated with various dance forms and costumes of Lord Jagannath and of various royal dynasties of the state will also be on display.

There will also be a gallery for unique and antique raw materials and equipment associated with weaving. Artisans will also give live demonstration of how they make their crafts.

Weavers and patrons have been asked to contribute various products, equipment and materials to the museum. That apart, artists have also been roped in to make items for us that would be on display.

The state government has been planning for the museum since 2012, but the project got delayed due to lack of funds and other co-ordination issues. "The museum will be a boost to the tourism sector and will also ensure protection of the textile heritage of the state," said the minister.

The state government will also set up 19 common facility centres in various weaving clusters in the state. The units will facilitate introduction of new designs into the craft making process to give a global approach to the creations.

"The purpose is to help craftsmen increase their economic standard by using modern machineries and equipment," said a senior official of the department. The first such centre was set up by the government in December last year in Khandagiri.

Steps are also being taken to increase production of silk for speedy growth of the sector. A number of issues such as providing raw materials to the artisans, boosting sericulture, conducting awareness camps and small fair in districts were discussed at the meeting.