Date: 2026-04-17Category: Press ReleaseState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
MSME Ministry Organizes Transformative Workshop on Packaging for Toy and Doll Artisans under PM Vishwakarma Scheme in Varanasi; focuses on strengthening the ‘Dolls and Toys’ sector
**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of MSME, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Packaging, organized a workshop in Varanasi on April 17, 2026, to strengthen the ‘Dolls and Toys’ sector under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. The initiative aimed to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern market demands by training over 200 artisans in advanced packaging techniques. Key outcomes included the distribution of high-quality packaging materials to provide immediate improvements to product presentation and transit safety.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Workshop Objectives and Scope**
* Focus on capacity building and enterprise development for more than 200 artisans in the Varanasi region.
* Integration of traditional skills with modern packaging solutions to enhance product marketability.
* Aims to position “Made in Varanasi” products as symbols of innovation and global competitiveness.
**Technical Training and Resources**
* Specialized sessions led by experts from the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) on modern techniques.
* Emphasis on the role of packaging in improving product appeal and ensuring safe transportation.
* Direct distribution of professional-grade packaging materials to help artisans meet international standards.
**Strategic Outcomes**
* Enhanced product aesthetics designed to boost consumer interest.
* Improved access to both domestic and international markets through professionalized standards.
* Increased awareness among local beneficiaries regarding government support and initiatives for toy manufacturing.
**Impact Analysis**
**Toy and Doll Artisans**
**Impact**
Artisans receive practical knowledge and resources that elevate the perceived value of their handcrafted products. Professional packaging ensures better protection during transit and allows them to compete with global brands.
**Action Required**
Artisans must adopt the provided packaging standards and utilize the distributed materials to improve product presentation and market reach.
**Ministry of MSME**
**Impact**
The Ministry successfully implements a targeted intervention under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, fostering regional industrial growth and empowering local beneficiaries.
**Action Required**
The Ministry remains committed to providing ongoing skill development, market-oriented support, and targeted interventions to strengthen local industries.
**Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP)**
**Impact**
Acts as a technical partner to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and evolving global packaging requirements.
**Action Required**
Experts must continue to highlight and disseminate information regarding innovative packaging roles in expanding market access.
Key Entities Referenced
PM Vishwakarma Scheme: A central government scheme providing support to traditional artisans, under which the capacity-building workshop was organized.
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: The primary ministry responsible for organizing the initiative to empower artisans and strengthen the local toy manufacturing sector.
Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP): The technical collaborating body that provided expertise on modern packaging standards to enhance the marketability of handcrafted products.
Varanasi: The central location for the initiative, focusing on the development of the local handicrafts industry and 'Made in Varanasi' branding.
Dolls and Toys sector: The specific industrial segment targeted for strengthening and enterprise development through this policy intervention.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
MSME Ministry Organizes Transformative
Workshop on Packaging for Toy and Doll
Artisans under PM Vishwakarma Scheme in
Varanasi; focuses on strengthening the ‘Dolls
and Toys’ sector
More than 200 artisans and beneficiaries participated in the
workshop making it a significant step toward capacity
building and enterprise development in the region
Posted On: 17 APR 2026 6:17PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of
Packaging (IIP), organized a transformative workshop in Varanasi under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.
The workshop focused on strengthening the ‘Dolls and Toys’ sector, while also delivering a specialized
session on modern packaging techniques to support local artisans.
The initiative aimed to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and evolving market demands by
equipping artisans with practical knowledge and resources to enhance the marketability of their products.Experts from the Indian Institute of Packaging highlighted the critical role of packaging in improving
product appeal, ensuring safe transportation, and expanding access to domestic as well as international
markets. They emphasized that innovative and professional packaging can significantly elevate the
perceived value of handcrafted products.
A key highlight of the workshop was the distribution of high-quality packaging materials to participating
artisans. This intervention is expected to provide immediate benefits, including improved product
presentation and better protection during transit.
The workshop delivered the following key outcomes:
* Enhanced aesthetics of products to boost consumer interest
* Adoption of professional packaging standards to compete with global brands
* Increased awareness about government support and initiatives for the toy manufacturing sector
More than 200 artisans and beneficiaries participated in the workshop, making it a significant step toward
capacity building and enterprise development in the region.This initiative is expected to provide a major impetus to the local handicrafts and toy industry in Varanasi.
By integrating traditional skills with modern packaging solutions, the Ministry aims to position “Made in
Varanasi” products as symbols of quality, innovation, and global competitiveness.
The Ministry of MSME remains committed to empowering artisans and strengthening local industries
through targeted interventions, skill development, and market-oriented support.
****
Sunil Kumar Tiwari
E-mail hipessi[at]gmail[dot]com
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