MINISTER OF TEXTILES (DR. KAVURU SAMBASIVA RAO)
(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Statement referred to in reply to Parts (a) to (e) of Lok Sabha Starred
Question No. 166 for answer
on 19.8.2013.
(a): Yes Madam. The Government proposes to set up 120 handicrafts cluster
in the country including
in the State of Gujarat during the current financial year. The details of
crafts and locations will be
decided on the basis of proposals received and budget available.
(b): The details of export of handicraft including hand-made carpets
during each of the last three
years country-wise is as per Annexure-I. For the current year the
export data, country-wise, is yet to
be compiled. The total export of handicrafts including hand-knotted
carpet during the current year is
Rs.7058.70 crores (upto July 2013).
The State/UT-wise export data of handicrafts including hand-knotted
carpet is not maintained.
(c): As reported by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts and Carpet
Export Promotion Council, the
share of Indian handicrafts excluding handmade carpet and other floor
coverings in Global trade of
handicrafts is less than 2% whereas the share of Indian handmade Carpets
in Global Market is 29.65%.
The steps taken by the Government to increase the market share of Indian
handicraft products in the
international market are as under:-
# 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 abroad through seminars
and publicity as well as awareness
programmes about technology, packaging, policies in India to exporters.
# Organizing Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair twice a year besides product
specific shows.
# Providing participation under assistance of MDA/MAI Scheme of Ministry
of Commerce to Exporter Members.
(d): The current census of handicrafts artisans is still in progress.
The State/UTs-wise number of
handicrafts artisans in the country shall only be known once the census
is completed. However, based on
the existing census undertaken so far, the number of handicrafts artisans
has been estimated at 68.68 lakhs.
(e): Government is implementing the following six schemes for the
development and promotion of
handicrafts artisans in the country:-
i. Baba Sahib Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana (AHVY).
ii. Marketing & Support Service Scheme,
iii. Design and Technology Upgradation Scheme,
iv. Research and Development Scheme,
v. Human Resource Development Scheme,
vi. Handicrafts Artisans Comprehensive Welfare Scheme.
The details of funds released scheme-wise/State-wise during 2012-13
is enclosed at Annexure-II.
In addition to above, Infrastructure and Technology Development Scheme
has also been proposed during
12th Plan, with a provision of Rs.243.37 crores for the entire 12th Plan.
In addition to above, four Mega Carpet Clusters at Bhadohi-Mirzapur, Moradabad
(UP) Narsapur (Andhra
Pradesh) and other in Srinagar (J&K) has also been sanctioned.
