Mati Kala Centre of Excellence to be set up in Bichoon

Jaipur: The state govt will establish a Mati Kala Centre of Excellence in Bichoon industrial area near Jaipur to strengthen traditional industries.

Mati Kala board chairman Prahlad Rai Tak Thursday said that the centre will provide training and exposure to modern technology for clay artisans. Camps will be organised across the state to issue artisan cards to workers, ensuring formal recognition and access to welfare schemes.

Tak added that the initiative would open new employment opportunities and improve production standards. He also announced a panorama dedicated to Shriyade Mata, the deity revered by the Prajapat-Kumhar community.

Under the 2026-27 budget, the board will distribute 5,000 electric potter’s wheels and clay-kneading machines to artisans. A target has been set to train 100 instructors this year, with specialised courses arranged outside the state. Last year, 25 artisans were sent to Khurja in Uttar Pradesh for training.

With regard to the protests by the seers at the Bichoon industrial area against tree felling, Tak said that the state govt is also sensitive to the cause and made commitments to plant trees under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative.