Shimla, June 12 (KNN) Himachal Pradesh has rich heritage of handicrafts and handloom and has vast potential for employment and income generation, said B.K. Agarwal, Chief Secretary of Shimla.

He said that design and colors in line with latest trends, fashion which are internationally acceptable, infusion of different handicraft skills for making products, e-marketing, brand building and tagline  and attractive packaging are the areas where the State needs to focus.

This can be achieved by involving local educated youth and nurture entrepreneurship among them by giving handholding support, training and market opportunities by expert organization like Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts.

He was presiding over a review meeting of Handicraft and Handloom Corporation Limited. He said this will go a long way for sustainable development of this sector as such motivated trained youth will not only guide artisans to manufacturing trendy products and its sale in national & international markets.

He discussed in detail the action plan for making this sector vibrant with Director General, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) Rakesh Kumar and his team.

He said that initially emphasis needs be given to modernize jewellery,  wood carving, metal casting, metal embossing, Pullah (hemp fiber based), Kinnauri shawl, Chamba Chappal, stone carving, Lahaul hand knitted products, Kangra  miniature painting, artistic pottery, patch work on umbrellas of chariots and Chamba Rumal.

BK Agarwal requested EPCH to submit a concept paper for the development of the handicrafts. The EPCH assured to submit the same immediately.

After finalization of concept paper, the EPCH will formulate a detailed project proposal with roadmap for the development of handicrafts & handloom.

Thereafter matter would be taken with the Ministry of Textile for seeking assistance for implementation of proposal in a time bound manner.