Question : EXPORT OF HANDICRAFT ITEMS .

(a) whether the benefits of the export of handicraft items are not reachable to the manufacturers;

(b) if so, whether the Government has conducted any assessment/review to find out the reasons in this regard and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the steps taken by the Government to augment the handicraft exports in view of the rising demand in the United States of America and European Union alongwith details of handicraft items exported during the last three years, country-wise;

(d) whether the Government proposes to set up additional marketing centres in the country including Odisha to improve the economic conditions of the artisans; and

(e) if so, the details thereof alongwith the steps taken by the State Governments in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)

(a): As reported by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts and Carpet Export Promotion Council, the benefits of export of Handicrafts as well as Handmade Carpets and other floor coverings are reachable to the manufacturers of Handicrafts.

(b): Does not arise in view of “a” above.

(c): The Government of India has taken the following steps to boost the export of handicrafts including handmade carpets and other floor coverings:

# Participations in fairs/exhibitions abroad.

# Thematic display and live demonstration of crafts in exhibitions abroad.

# Organizing buyer-seller meets in India and abroad.

# Brand image promotion of Indian handicrafts including handmade carpets & other floor coverings abroad through seminars, publicity and awareness programmes about technology, packaging, policies etc.

# Organizing Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair twice a year besides product specific shows.

# Providing participations under assistance of MDA/MAI scheme of the Government of India.

# All Handicrafts Exports are treated as special focus product and entitled to higher incentives.

# Interest Subvention of 2% on pre-shipment & post shipment export credit is provided.

# The Government also helps the handicraft sector by way of implementation of six generic Schemes viz.

(i) Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana (AHVY);

(ii) Design and Technological Up-gradation;

(iii) Marketing Support & Services;

(iv) Research and Development;

(v) Human Resource Development and

(vi) Comprehensive Welfare Scheme for Handicrafts Artisans.

The latest available country-wise export of handicrafts for three years i.e. 2008-09 to 2010-11 is attached at Annexure “A”. The latest available export of handmade carpets and other floor coverings for three years 2008-09 to 2010-11 is attached at Annexure “B”.

(d): No Madam.

(e): Does not arise.