“Kolhapuri chappal born from the creation of artisans in Maharashtra…”; What did Devendra Fadnavis say?

Adding modern skills to the traditional artisans of Maharashtra
Maharashtra effectively presented the strength of ‘Made in India’ to the world
A deal with Prada is a celebration of Indian cultural heritage

Mumbai: The Chief Minister said that the Kolhapuri Chappal, born from the creation of artisans in Maharashtra, has become a global luxury product today. Devendra Fadnavis He said that Maharashtra has effectively presented the power of ‘Made in India’ to the world. Global brand Prada and Lidcom (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries) have recently signed an MoU to bring the legacy of Indian traditional leather Kolhapuri slippers to the world.

As per the agreement, Prada will fully fund training programs at National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and Karnataka Institute of Leather and Fashion Technology (KILT) for the next three years to promote skill development of artisans. Through this, a special training program will be initiated for the traditional leather artisans of Kolhapuri Chapala in Maharashtra and Karnataka and emphasis will be placed on adding modern design and technical skills to this generational craftsmanship. This partnership is crucial in honoring generations of artisans who have been preserving traditional arts and giving their skills due recognition globally.

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Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat said, this agreement with Prada not only gives dignity to the labor of artisans, but also honors the Indian cultural tradition that has been nurtured for generations. As a global brand works with artisans from Maharashtra, their expertise will be recognized and full credit for the art will be given to these artisans. Minister of State Madhuri Misal mentioned that Lidcom has effectively conceptualized, coordinated and implemented this partnership.

Department Principal Secretary Dr. Harshdeep Kamble said that this agreement has been made through careful planning considering international laws, global relations and intellectual property rights. Our main goal was to protect the generational rights of artisans. Prerna Deshbhartar, managing director of Lidcom said, “This agreement with Prada is a proud moment for Indian traditional handicrafts and for the organization that has been protecting this art for decades.

Prada will provide full funding to train 300 Kolhapuri artisans in Maharashtra and Karnataka for the next three years. The training will be imparted at National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and Karnataka Institute of Leather and Fashion Technology. Among them, the best 30 artisans will get an opportunity for advanced training at the Prada Academy in Italy.

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The training will cover design, technical skills, digital tools and market trends. This aims to empower artisans for the modern market while preserving traditional skills. Due to this initiative, Kolhapuri chappal tradition which has been preserved for centuries has got a new recognition at the international level. LIDCOM plays an important role in this and for the last five decades, this organization has been working to protect the dignity, livelihood and rights of tanners and leather artisans in Maharashtra. Founded on May 1, 1974 under the Department of Social Justice, LIDCOM has played an important role in preserving the identity of traditional leather craftsmanship. The organization was instrumental in getting Kolhapuri chappals the Geographical Index (GI) status in 2009. The collaboration began after Prada’s Spring 2026 menswear presentation. A delegation of Prada then visited Kolhapur and interacted with the artisans. After this discussion, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Lidcom and Prada at the Consulate of Italy in Mumbai.