The Union textiles Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani has
urged the exporting fraternity to take care of the welfare of artisans who are the
backbone of the sector. The Minister said that design and product
development play a crucial role in value realisation and in turn in the benefit
that the artisans and producers are able to reap from their products. The Minister
said this after inaugurating IHGF – Delhi Fair Autumn 2017, World’s Largest handicrafts
and gifts fair. The fair is being held at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater
Noida, during October 12 – 16, 2017.
Delivering the inaugural address, the Minister applauded
the role of Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts in promoting exports of handicrafts. She noted that handicraft
exports have witnessed a year-on-year growth of 13.15% in 2016-17 and has touched Rs. 24,392
crores. The Minister appreciated the launch of schemes by EPCH under
their CSR programme, for education of children of artisans. The scheme
provides full support to education of children of artisans through open schools.
75% of the expenditure will be borne by EPCH and 25% by member exporters. Smt.
Irani added that it is the dream of the Hon’ble Prime Minister that no child in
the country should be left illiterate.
Register” scheme by EPCH, which allows hassle-free registration of designs by
member exporters. She said that EPCH design services will definitely help
the sector in a big way and will augment the exports of handicrafts from the
country, ultimately increasing employment opportunities to artisans.
The textiles Minister expressed her satisfaction that the
vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to promote the North East is being effectively
implemented by EPCH. EPCH has an integrated programme of development of NER
handicrafts and handlooms, under which support is provided for design, marketing
and skill development.
— Ghanshyam Goel (@PIBTextiles) October 12, 2017
The Minister also noted that for the first time for handicrafts
sector, an initiative is being taken to promote Foreign Direct Investment and opportunities
for Joint Ventures for both exporters and importers. A symposium on “Investment
Opportunities in Handicrafts Sector” is being organised. This initiative will
give opportunities for overseas buyers to bring technical know-how, investment
and marketing networks to form joint ventures for promoting Indian handicrafts
in the world market.
Prahladka spoke of EPCH’s vision for the next five years on Technology upgradation.
He said EPCH has just started the “Design and Product Development Technology
Mission”. Shri Prahladka also appreciated the support received from Ministry of
Textiles and Ministry of Commerce for the smooth implementation of GST.
overseas buyers. According to Executive Director, EPCH, Mr. Rakesh Kumar, about
2,980 exhibitors of home, lifestyle, fashion, textiles and furniture are
participating in the IHGF Delhi Fair. Over 6,000 buyers from 110
countries are visiting the fair. Mr. Kumar said that special attractions
of this fair include designers’ forum and recycled products.
