Bhubaneswar: Odisha State Cooperative Handicrafts Corporation Ltd. (Utkalika) celebrated its 68th Foundation Day at its headquarters in Bhubaneswar. The event highlighted the corporation’s contribution to preserving Odisha’s handicrafts and handloom heritage while supporting artisan livelihoods across the state.
Speaking at the celebration, Minister for Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts, Pradip Bal Samanta, described handicrafts and handlooms as the “bright signatures” of Odisha’s artistic excellence. He said Utkalika has played a vital role in protecting traditional art forms and generating employment opportunities for thousands of artisans. The Minister also emphasized that strengthening handicrafts and handlooms would further improve income generation in rural communities.
During the event, the Minister launched Utkalika’s new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system along with Booklet. The ERP platform will enhance transparency, improve operational efficiency, and streamline digital services across the organization. “The ERP system will modernize workflow management and ensure better service delivery,” the Minister said.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts Department, Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, attended the program as the Guest of Honor. She noted that Utkalika has earned public trust during its 68-year journey and continues to expand its market presence. She informed that Utkalika recorded a business turnover of ₹51.53 crore during the 2025–26 financial year. Moreover, the corporation has fixed a target of ₹75 crore for 2026–27. To achieve the target, the corporation plans to open new marketing centers, strengthen online sales channels, and introduce innovative product designs.
Utkalika also recognized its top-performing branches for exceeding business targets during the financial year. First Prize: Kendujhar Utkalika (Branch Manager: Dibakar Sethi); Second Prize: Kalabhoomi Utkalika (Branch Manager: Sharala Patnaik), Third Prize: Puri Utkalika (Branch Manager: Madhusudan Majhi). As part of the celebration, an exhibition displayed handicraft products developed under the “national handicrafts development programme”. Additionally, newly designed products created through various design development initiatives were showcased during the event. The exhibition highlighted Odisha’s rich craft traditions and the corporation’s continued efforts to promote innovation among artisans.
Established in 1959, Utkalika has grown into one of Odisha’s leading handicrafts organizations. Currently, 116 primary handicraft cooperative societies are registered as members of the corporation. The organization operates through 18 branches, including 12 branches within Odisha and six branches outside the state. Through this network, Utkalika continues to market Odisha’s traditional handicrafts across India.
The foundation day celebration was attended by Utkalika President Debasmita Sahoo, Vice-President Prashant Kumar Mohapatra, Managing Director Pratap Chandra Hota, Director of Handicrafts Nivedita Prusty, General Manager Mamata Nayak, senior officials, and representatives of cooperative societies.
