Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has taken a significant step towards women empowerment and creating a safe tourism destination by launching State’s first craft-based cafe- ‘Handloom Cafe’ in Pranpur, a village located 4 kilometers from the renowned tourist destination of Chanderi in Ashoknagar district. This cafe is entirely operated by women making it a pioneering initiative in the Madhya Pradesh. Additional Managing Director Tourism Board Ms. Bidisha Mukherjee visited Pranpur to inspect the cafe and boost the morale of the women staff.

Additional managing director Ms. Mukherjee said “Handloom cafe is a crucial step towards empowering women and fostering a safe tourism environment. The cafe will be entirely run by women, from security guards and welcome staff to chefs, receptionists, cashiers, and even front office managers. To ensure smooth operations, all women have undergone specialized training at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Bhopal. A women’s group has been registered as ‘Sakhi Saheli Lok Kalyan Sangh’ to manage the cafe.”

Additional managing director Ms. Mukherjee also said this project will not only provide employment opportunities to these women but also equip them with the necessary skills, confidence, and financial independence to improve their quality of life. Additionally, this initiative aligns with the state’s broader mission to promote a safe and inclusive environment for women travellers. This women-run cafe will offer visitors a unique and unforgettable experience, showcasing Madhya Pradesh’s rich culture and progressive outlook.