Stating that the Handloom and Handicrafts are among major employment generating sectors, Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Parkash Ganga today asserted that the present regime is taking tangible measures to give fillip to both the vital sectors across the State.The Minister said this during the celebration of 126th birth anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar organized by Assistant Director (Handicraft) Ministry of Textile at Birpur, Samba.An awareness camp was also organized to promote Digital India campaign by means of artisan enrollment to facilitate the cashless economy in the state, education about use of India Handmade Bazar Portal besides other schemes as part of the campaign.On the occasion, the Minister distributed the PAHCHAN cards among artisans and educated them especially artisans on the use of BHIM app for cashless payments.
Ganga speaking on the occasion said that these cards being distributed shall provide benefits, including easy access to loan, insurance and credit guarantee funds adding that by help of this card, they will find it easier to participate in any domestic or international fair.He further said the artisans can get benefit of life insurance and Rs 1200 per year for their children studying between class 9 and 12.He urged the participants to make full use of various initiatives launched by the government for their benefit especially the Digital India Campaign which will help shape the nation and facilitate transparency and accountability in the functioning of the state.
Earlier, the Minister paid tribute to the Principal Architect of Indian Constitution Babasaheb Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar and said that people should follow his footsteps to reconstruct society along modern democratic ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity.On the occasion, a huge function was also held at the Minister residence which saw participation from a large number of people gathered to remember the contribution of Dr Ambedkar and discussed their relevance and applicability in present times.Among other, Director Handicraft and Handloom Department Rajesh Sharma, Sub Divisional Magistrate Vijaypur Ravinder Sharma, Assistant Director Handicraft R.L Verma, Branch Manager LIC Jitender Bhat, officers of various departments besides a large number of artisans present on the occasion.