The Central Government is committed to development of traditional artisans of the city and to restore the glory of Varanasi. This was stated by Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, the Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs last evening in Varanasi at the launching of ‘’USTTAD’’ scheme, in Varanasi (on 14.5.2015).The scheme will be helpful in this effort as the ensuring growth of lakhs of traditional artisans of the city.Addressing a gathering during launch of the ‘’USTTAD’’ (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) scheme, Shri Naqvi said Varanasi has been famous for its ‘ghats’, temples, Banarasi saree, and traditional arts/crafts and silk weavers in the entire world but unfortunately the city’s glory has been affected during last few years as the city and its artisans and craftsmen have been ignored.
Naqvi said a large section of minority community is engaged in traditional arts/crafts for several generations. The scheme has been launched to preserve rich heritage of traditional arts/crafts of minorities and build capacity of traditional artisans/craftsmen.The scheme will also establish linkages of traditional arts/crafts with the national and international market and ensure dignity of labour. The scheme, which will be funded by the Central Government, will prepare skilled and unskilled artisans and craftsmen to compete with big companies, Shri Naqvi said. Shri Naqvi expressed confidence that the scheme will provide employment opportunities and a better future to the youths belonging to the minority community. The ‘’USTTAD’’ scheme is for all areas of the country from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat. He appeal to those engaged in traditional arts/crafts to utilize this scheme.