(a) whether the rural artisans constitute an important segment of the rural economy
and there is a need to equip them with new skills to compete in the market;
(b) if so, the measures taken by the Government to upgrade the skills of rural artisans;
(c) whether there is any proposal to provide the working capital to the rural artisans
by the institutional sources to procure raw materials; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. RAGHUVANSH PRASAD SINGH)
(a) to (d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Statement referred to in reply to Lok Shaba Starred Question No.492 due for reply on 29.04.2005.
(a) & (b) The rural artisans with inherent skill who form a significant segment of the rural
society are given due priority under Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY)
being implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development as a self employment scheme
for rural poor. Artisans eligible for coverage under the scheme can be provided training
for skill development/upgradation by organising appropriate training programmes
through reputed institutions like engineering colleges, polytechnics, NGOs etc. to enable
them to compete in the market. The scheme also envisages provision of support for
creation of infrastructure such as common facilities, design development, marketing
support and development of market linkages etc.
To assist the artisans to market their products a large number of `SARAS` fairs
and `Gram Shri` Melas have been organised by the Ministry and CAPART in different
parts of the country.
(c) & (d) Under SGSY, financial assistance is provided to Swarozgaries for procurement
of raw materials and for income generating activities through government subsidy and
bank credit.