Govt. planning to modernise Handicraft and Handloom sector : BK Agarwal

5 Dariya News

Shimla 11-Jun-2019

Chief Secretary B.K. Agarwal said that State has rich heritage of handicrafts and handloom and has vast potential for employment and income generation. He said that design and  colours 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  give handholding support, training and market opportunities by expert organization like Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts.The Chief Secretary was presiding over a review  meeting of Handicraft and Handloom Corporation Limited here on Monday evening. 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 these  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.