Jaipur: The state Cabinet approved the handicraft policy aimed at developing the sector and empowering the 6 lakh craftsmen and artisans engaged in it.
As per the policy, the state government will bear 100% of the interest on loans of Rs 3 lakh taken by the artisans and provide group insurance to self-help groups occupied in the handicraft and handloom sector. Similarly, handloom weavers’ cooperative societies and artisan societies setting up permanent marketing centres for sale will be eligible for government assistance of 50% of the total cost of establishment.
For helping the artisans sell their products, the government will create an online platform. Also, a provision will be made for purchase of products worth up to Rs 10 lakh from the registered artisans by the government departments through e-bazaar without tender.
Keeping in mind the development of the handicraft and handloom sector, a directorate will be constituted under the industries department which will help connect the artisans participate in major exhibitions and events held in India and abroad.
With the objective of advancement of artisans of the state and creation of job opportunities, private investment will be promoted in establishment of handicraft skill development centres, design and craft centres.
As per the policy, a handicraft design centre will be set up in Jodhpur for the study of techniques being employed and the designs being used in other states and countries so that new techniques or processes for products may be promoted in the state. This centre will be developed as a ‘Centre of Excellence’.
RIICO will develop handicraft parks at appropriate places for development of traditional arts and crafts.
A state level handicraft museum will be established at the Rajasthan Haat, Jal Mahal for exhibiting the major handicraft products of the state and for introducing the common man to the arts and crafts of the state.
World Craft Council (WCC) has declared Jaipur as the ‘World Craft City’. Considering the tourist potential of Jaipur and the scope of development of handicrafts there is a necessity for the establishment of a model handicraft centre. Therefore, Rajasthan Haat has been selected as the permanent venue for marketing and sale of handicrafts and handloom products.
The policy also makes space for a handicraft design bank which will be established at the Rajasthan Haat with the purpose of facilitating the various handicraft groups and producers of the state in making products as per national and international demand. Designs of major crafts of the state will be collected and compiled in electronic form in the bank.
To enhance the quality of the products of the artisans, there is a provision to introduce bar-code, tagging, ISI, GI, and Hallmark.
Artisans are given reimbursement of the stall rent and provided luggage allowance and daily allowance. In the process of reimbursement, they do not get the amount timely. Therefore, the scheme will be amended and arrangements will be made to pay the artisans on the final day of the event.
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