Govt has revised schemes, formulated new strategy for handicrafts sector: Textiles Secretary
Updated: Oct 19, 2015 10:56:54am
New Delhi, Oct 19 (KNN) The government has revised handicrafts schemes and formulated a new strategy that would look into infrastructure development, training in design, online assistance to artisans, among others said, Textiles Secretary, S K Panda.
Speaking during an interactive session with handicrafts artisans on the sidelines of IHGH Delhi Fair – Autumn 2015 on October-17, he said the new strategy had four broad components.
“Infrastructure development, such as a Common Facility Centre in every cluster; development of design and training, through schemes under Office of DC (Handicrafts); direct assistance to artisans, such as online assistance through their bank accounts; and linking up with market with participation of private sector,” he said, outlining the strategy.
Handicraft artisans from various places such as Narsapur, Jodhpur, Bhuj and Kashmir were present during the session when Panda briefed the artisans, highlighting the big role the handicrafts sector has, in providing employment to rural population.
He pointed out two major developments, which has impacted the promotion of handicrafts: the level of education has gone up as there are educated youth in most artisan families; and internet and other IT based interventions have bridged the gap between urban and rural areas with digital connectivity.
The Secretary said that there is a need to target high-end customers. Further, there is a need to change mindset along these lines. He highlighted the need to better understand what the market needs, in terms of size, colour and designs. Technology has made this easier, enabling artisans to interact with anyone across the world, through smart phones, he said.
Significantly, the Secretary said that an online location-wise directory of handicrafts products is being made, with contact details of artisans from each cluster, which would facilitate buyers to get in touch with them. Also, efforts are on to provide more financial assistance to start-up entrepreneurs and to link Self-Help Groups with export groups. He also spoke about the efforts to link handicrafts with tourism and fashion
Artisans from various clusters shared their experiences and gave suggestions. Some of them shared their success stories as well, narrating how their business grew and how they have been able to get orders from foreign buyers belonging to European countries.
Other dignitaries at the event were Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Alok Kumar, and senior officials of the Ministry. (KNN Bureau)
Speaking during an interactive session with handicrafts artisans on the sidelines of IHGH Delhi Fair – Autumn 2015 on October-17, he said the new strategy had four broad components.
“Infrastructure development, such as a Common Facility Centre in every cluster; development of design and training, through schemes under Office of DC (Handicrafts); direct assistance to artisans, such as online assistance through their bank accounts; and linking up with market with participation of private sector,” he said, outlining the strategy.
Handicraft artisans from various places such as Narsapur, Jodhpur, Bhuj and Kashmir were present during the session when Panda briefed the artisans, highlighting the big role the handicrafts sector has, in providing employment to rural population.
He pointed out two major developments, which has impacted the promotion of handicrafts: the level of education has gone up as there are educated youth in most artisan families; and internet and other IT based interventions have bridged the gap between urban and rural areas with digital connectivity.
The Secretary said that there is a need to target high-end customers. Further, there is a need to change mindset along these lines. He highlighted the need to better understand what the market needs, in terms of size, colour and designs. Technology has made this easier, enabling artisans to interact with anyone across the world, through smart phones, he said.
Significantly, the Secretary said that an online location-wise directory of handicrafts products is being made, with contact details of artisans from each cluster, which would facilitate buyers to get in touch with them. Also, efforts are on to provide more financial assistance to start-up entrepreneurs and to link Self-Help Groups with export groups. He also spoke about the efforts to link handicrafts with tourism and fashion
Artisans from various clusters shared their experiences and gave suggestions. Some of them shared their success stories as well, narrating how their business grew and how they have been able to get orders from foreign buyers belonging to European countries.
Other dignitaries at the event were Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Alok Kumar, and senior officials of the Ministry. (KNN Bureau)
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