In a significant move to promote India’s diverse heritage, a new emporium showcasing over 650 Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products from across the country will be established in the heart of Delhi. The announcement was made by Delhi’s Environment and Industries Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, following the 54th board meeting of the Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board (DKVIB). This initiative aims to create a centralized marketplace for the country’s most unique crafts and agricultural products, offering them unprecedented visibility.
What is the Vision Behind the GI Emporium?
The emporium, planned for Connaught Place, is designed to be a comprehensive cultural and commercial hub. An official present at the meeting described it as “a one-stop destination where nearly 650 GI-tagged products from across the country will be curated and showcased for sale, enabling both domestic and global buyers to experience the country’s traditional craftsmanship under one roof.” This project is a collaboration between the DKVIB and the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC). It seeks to solve the critical problem of market access for artisans who possess exceptional skill but lack a platform to reach wide audiences.
Which Local Delhi Products Will Be Featured?
While the store will host national treasures like Darjeeling Tea and Banarasi Silk, it will also shine a spotlight on Delhi’s own artisanal heritage. The emporium will specifically showcase three traditional products from the capital. Sangamvihar glass-bead jewelry, renowned for its vivid and painstaking beadwork, Seepampur woodcraft, renowned for its elaborate and detailed woodworking, and Uttam Nagar terracotta, renowned for its handcrafted clay pottery, are a few examples. This carefully chosen assortment seeks to introduce consumers to Delhi’s distinctive and frequently disregarded workmanship.
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What Other Support Did the Board Announce for Artisans?
The board meeting, the first in nearly four years, resulted in several key decisions to bolster the khadi and village industries sector. A substantial budget of ₹50 crore has been allocated for the 2025-26 fiscal year to strengthen artisan training, skilling, funding, and marketing support through the DKVIB. Furthermore, the board decided to appoint legal consultants to draft new rules for the Khadi Board and discussed creating a common marketing platform. Emphasizing the core mission, Minister Sirsa stated, “Our artisans have immense talent but lack the means and market access to sell what they create. DKVIB will bridge that gap and help them scale their work, access funding, and connect directly to buyers.”
