New Delhi, June 10 (KNN) Handicraft sector should be given special consideration for technology support and design innovation as it is the largest employment provider to skilled and unskilled, said Ravi Kumar Passi, Chairman of Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).

Presenting the concerns of handicrafts sector to Commerce Minister during the Board of Trade meeting, Passi asked for enhancement in allocation of fund under MAI scheme based on export performance.

“Rebate on State and Central Taxes and Levies scheme which is available for textiles exporters should also be given to handicrafts exporters to compensate the duty drawback rates which have been reduced due to GST”, he added.

Other issues presented to the Commerce Minister included concessional rate of interest at 3% should also be considered in addition to present interest subvention, sale to foreign tourist should be considered as deemed export, the start-ups may be given support in terms of marketing, identification of new and emerging markets by allocating a separate fund to give boost to new generation, a strategy should be prepared to take advantage of US-China trade war.

In addition, EPCH have also requested the Commerce Minister for formation of an empowered Senior Decision Making Group comprising the representatives from Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Textiles, DGFT and Customs to resolve the day-to-day issues pertaining to handicrafts sector.