Ahmedabad, Feb 15 (KNN) Gujarat Government today launched the ‘New Cottage and Rural Industries Policy 2016’ to promote the growth and development of cottage and rural industries in the state.

Special emphasis has been given on the socio-economic development of the people engaged in the sector through the generation of supplementary employment opportunities, improvement in their quality of life and the preservation of traditional crafts.

Several new initiatives have been proposed under this policy. A pilot project on the concept of “One Village One Product” would be initiated to preserve and revive the heritage of languishing crafts.

The ‘New Cottage and Rural Industries Policy’ focuses on several objectives as well as introduces several new initiatives, including – improvement of the overall quality of life of artisans; revival and preservation of the languishing crafts of Gujarat by providing support and strengthening the value chain; setting up a Crafts Museum showcasing the exquisite arts and crafts of Gujarat and more.

Languishing crafts would be identified and promoted through production as a niche high quality product linked to the village where it has been practiced traditionally. Additionally, focused support in the form of diagnostic research, facilitating availability of raw material, training in design development and product diversification as well as encouragement for branding and marketing of the products would be provided.

Artisans practicing languishing crafts would be extended special rebate on sales of products as well as facilitated to participate in National and International fairs / exhibitions.

A Design Studio for the Handicrafts sector covering cane and bamboo crafts, pottery and clay idol making, leather, jute and natural fiber articles would be set up in GMK&RTI. 

Design workshops would be conducted for artisans using the services of expert designers from institutions like CEPT, NIFT, NID as well as practitioners from the industry.

To encourage and recognize the contribution of outstanding artisans, a scheme of state level awards has been enhanced under this policy. The award winners would be given a maximum cash prize of Rs 1,00,000 along with a State Merit Certificate, plaque and shawl.

In order to attract and motivate the younger generation of artisans to continue practicing their traditional craft, a special award of Rs. 1,00,000 would be instituted for them in the ‘Young Artisans’ category (up to the age of 35 years). An award of Rs. 1,25,000/- for best Woman Artisan would be provided. A special award of Rs. 1,25,000/- would be provided to artisans practicing  languishing crafts.

Craft circuits would be developed and promoted by linking craft clusters with popular tourist destinations of the State, in collaboration with the State Tourism Department.

Direct linkage would be provided between the artisans and the buyers through e-commerce marketing platforms (www.estoregurjari.com  and www.craftofgujarat.gujarat.gov.in). The purchase limit for the procurement of Khadi and Village Industries products without tendering process under the Purchase Policy of the State Government would be revised to support the sector. Dissemination of information and guidance about schemes would be provided through a toll-free helpline.

Under this policy provisions are made for infrastructure development in the sector. A state museum would be set up. To give a fillip to Public-Private partnership projects, the Craft Business Development Center (CBDC) scheme would be revised and revamped – viable projects with unit cost ranging from Rs. 3 crores to Rs. 7 crores would be eligible.

A start-up fund would be set up through Gujarat Venture Finance Ltd. (GVFL).  

There is a special focus on equipment, tools and production support in this policy. The cost of toolkits provided under Manav Kalyan Yojana would be periodically reviewed and would be suitably revised. 75% financial assistance for purchase of handlooms, Electric Potter Wheels and Pug Mills would be provided to increase the productivity of artisans.

Similar financial assistance would be provided for the newly developed Electric Blunzer / Agitator, Ball Mill cum Pot Mill and Clay Granular. 90% financial assistance would be provided for purchase of Amber Charkha.

Artisans would be brought under the cover of various social welfare schemes provided by the Central and State Government to ensure their social security.

Pilot projects would be undertaken to provide assistance to eco-friendly practices in the focus areas of hand-made paper, coconut and banana fibre based products, clay (mati) and earthen products. (KNN Bureau)