PUNE: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) is set to inaugurate its Bamboo Handicraft and Art Unit (BHAU) on Friday (October 5).
As reported earlier by Sakal Times in May, three universities, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Sant Gadgebaba Amravati University and Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV), Rahuri were selected by State Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar to build a centre of this kind which will help generate employment to students.
The centre will carry out training and research work of bamboo and its quality. For which the varsity has received a grant amount of Rs 35 lakh.
“We have prepared a learn and earn module for students, wherein whatever students have learned in training they can apply it and source an income. At present, we will bring bamboos from Bhor region and train students in research and designing of it. We have a number of machinery to identify the quality of bamboo and make handicrafts,” said Puja More, Director In-charge of Skill Development Centre.
BHAU will consist of a batch of 20 students. “The basic qualification will be Std XII pass. We are currently starting with students from the university only and subsequently will cater to other students as well,” added More. The university will also sell the handicraft material produced by these students via various means by making an online portal or building a stall on the university campus.
“Our university has a heritage look and many people visit here. Taking this opportunity, we can set up stalls from where citizens can avail the handicraft materials,” said More.
