West Bengal Announces Textile Hub for Gangarampur and Carpet Hub for Kushmandi

Budget 2026 proposal aims to strengthen artisan clusters, improve market access and modernise traditional handloom and carpet industries in South Dinajpur.

In a Budget 2026 announcement, the BJP-led West Bengal government unveiled plans to develop a dedicated Carpet Hub in Kushmandi and a Textile Hub in Gangarampur. State Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta presented the proposal, which focuses on supporting artisan clusters, improving infrastructure and expanding market access for traditional crafts.

For more than 14 years, carpet weavers from Kushmandi's Maligaon, Katabari and Mahabullapur have continued producing handcrafted carpets that are exported to countries including England and Italy. According to the report, the absence of local marketing infrastructure under previous administrations meant many artisans depended on middlemen based in Varanasi, limiting brand recognition and reducing earnings.

The proposed Carpet Hub is expected to address these challenges by creating branding and marketing support for Kushmandi's carpet industry while improving direct access to domestic and international markets.

Local entrepreneurs including Sadhu Sarkar, Jiban Sarkar and weaver Barun Kumar Mondal welcomed the proposal. The government also plans to promote Kushmandi's traditional craftsmanship globally while reducing dependence on intermediaries.

In addition to market development, the proposal includes measures to address health and safety requirements by providing masks and official artisan identity cards to support social security coverage for artisans.

Gangarampur's handloom sector is also included in the revival plan. Once recognised as a major handloom centre established by partition refugees, the industry has experienced a decline over the past decade due to structural challenges and limited modernisation.

The proposed Textile Hub aims to modernise the handloom sector, improve marketing support and provide financial assistance for weavers.

Gangarampur MLA Satyendranath Ray said, "This is the only dedicated Textile Hub announced for handloom in Bengal. Once implemented, it will completely rejuvenate Gangarampur's economy, bringing our weavers back to their looms with pride."

Veteran Dokra artisan Akul Bala Sarkar also welcomed the government's proposal to support artisans in Kushmandi and Gangarampur.

The Budget 2026 roadmap positions the two proposed hubs as part of the state's plan to strengthen traditional textile and handicraft clusters while improving infrastructure and market connectivity.