(a) whether any Mega Expo on handicrafts was held recently in the country;
(b) if so, the details and outcome thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to organise such more Expos on handicrafts, embroidery, metal wear and hand-woven carpets etc. in future and also conduct training programmes to boost export of such items; and
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. One Mega Delhi Fair-Autumn, 2014 was organized by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) from 14th to 18th October, 2014 at India Expo Center & Mart, Greater Noida (U.P.). In the above fair 2750 handicrafts exporters participated and 6900 overseas buyers and their representatives visited the fair. The estimate business to the tune of Rs.2500/- crores was generated. Similarly to promote furniture, Home textiles, furnishing and houseware products, the Council also organized Home Expo India-2015 from 16th to 18th April, 2015 at India Expo Center & Mart, Greater Noida (U.P.). In the said Expo, 326 handicrafts exporters participated and 1019 overseas buyers and their representatives visited the fair. The estimate business to the tune of Rs.746/- crores was generated.
An India Carpet Expo was also organized by Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) for handmade carpets and other floor covering from 27th to 30th March, 2015 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. In the Expo, 262 exhibitors from various parts of the country participated and 361 overseas Buyers visited the fair and business to the tune of Rs.350/- Crores was generated.
(c) & (d): Yes, Madam. The following Expos are proposed to be organized during 2015-16 covering handicrafts, metal ware and hand woven carpet etc.:-
(i) Fashion Jewellery and Accessories Show from 10th to 12th July 2015 by EPCH at India Expo Center & Mart, Greater Noida (U.P.).
(ii) The Mega Delhi Fair (Autumn)-2015 from 14th to 18th October 2015 by EPCH at India Expo Center & Mart, Greater Noida (U.P.).
(iii) India Handicraft & Gift Fair (Spring)-2016 from 20th to 23rd February 2016 by EPCH at India Expo Center & Mart, Greater Noida (U.P.).
(iv) Simillarly CEPC will be organizing two Mega Expos one in Varanasi during October 2015 and other in Delhi during February/March, 2016.
Workshop and training programme on Export Marketing procedure and management in handicrafts exports are organized in important clusters for manufacturers, craftpersons and others who are engaged in handicrafts sector to boost exports of handicrafts.