(a) whether the Government has taken note that the livelihood of artisans has deteriorated due to the Covid-19 Pandemic in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has proposed any financial assistance schemes for the benefit of these artisans; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES
(SMT. DARSHANA JARDOSH)
(a) to (d): Sir, the office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) has taken the following steps for the welfare of artisans under National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS): -
(I) 57 Producer Companies have been formed as business model for sustainable development of artisans in a time period of three years by ensuring self-sustainment of the SHG /artisans of clusters. The required interventions have been provided to these companies.
(II) In collaboration with GeM, handicrafts artisans have been onboarded on GeM portal to provide access to direct market platform to sell handicraft products to the government departments and organizations. 28,403 artisans have been on boarded on the GeM portal and total sales figure are Rs 90.57 crores by the registered artisans so far.
(III) 8 Crafts villages with modern facilities are being set up across the country to promote tourism in handicrafts sector and to provide livelihood opportunity for handicrafts artisans by attracting domestic as well as foreign buyers in the crafts villages. These craft villages also provide an opportunity for exporters and artisans to work closely towards promotion and marketing of handicrafts products.
(IV) 12 virtual marketing events have been organized during the pandemic to ensure unhindered access to direct marketing platform to handicrafts artisans to sell their products during the Covid pandemic. Further, 1,330 Chaupals have been organized throughout the country to facilitate artisans by way of various interventions.
(V) Under Direct Benefit to Artisans Scheme margin money assistance and interest subventions on MUDRA loans for 3 years subject to maximum of Rs. 1,00,000 are provided. Further the financial support amounting to Rs. 5,000 per month provided to awardees artisans in handicraft sector whose age is above 60 years and income should not be exceeding 1.00 Lakh per annum in indigent circumstances.
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