At the end of semester 4, students are required to participate in a Craft Cluster study – One where they must study and document the craft of a particular area, learning in detail about the surrounding macro and micro environments, while also gaining deeper insight on the realities and struggles that these artisans face. The Craft Cluster Initiative of the Institute is a carefully developed formula for integrating the crafts sector of the country with the mainstream. NIFT, with active support from the Ministry of Rural Development, Office of Development Introduction Commissioner (Handicrafts &Handlooms) and National Centre for Jute Development is developing and implementing a craft cluster initiative towards the overall progress of craft, the cottage industry and vocational activities. The intention of the project is to involve NIFT’s professional capabilities in the areas of design, technology, marketing and management along with external expertise, and synergise all developmental activities by various government and non-government agencies