(a) whether Hunar Haat 2018 has seen the participation of artisans from across India, if so, the States that have been most active in participating;
(b) the manner in which the Hunar Haat facilitate promotion of regional handicraft and establish a national platform; and
(c) whether Hunar Haat 2018 has influenced livelihoods of minority communities in regions across India and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS
(SHRI MUKHTAR ABBAS NAQVI)
(a): Yes, Madam. During 2018, the Ministry has organized Hunar Haat at Mumbai from 4th to 10th January and at Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi from 10th to 18th February, during which artisans and craft persons from 24 States/UTs participated. Apart from this, three other Hunar Haats were held during 2017 at Puducherry; Baba Kharak Singh Marg and Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
(b): Hunar Haat is an effective platform, wherein opportunity is given to the artisans and craft persons from across the country to showcase and market their finest handicraft and handmade swadeshi products. The Hunar Haat have immensely contributed in preserving and promoting the unique and rich heritage of traditional art and craft.
(c): Hunar Haat enables the artisans to sell their products directly during the exhibition and at the same time develop forward marketing linkages with the domestic as well as foreign buyers visiting Hunar Haat. The sales registered and booking orders done during these Hunar Haat have impacted positively the livelihood of large number of artisans and people belonging to Minority Communities. To encourage participation of talented artisans/craftsmen from all over the country including the remote areas, the Ministry covered all the costs including providing of free stalls and travelling and other expenses to the participants so that they are not financially burdened.
Further, in order to give platform to the traditional cuisines practiced by culinary experts from the minority communities, "Ustadoon Ka Bawarchi Khana" component has been added to Hunar Haat. Sales across the counter have benefitted such culinary experts & associated people from every part of the country.
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