(a) the number of registered units in the country which export handicraft articles;
(b) the details of concession and facilities being provided to the exporters;
(c) whether the Government propose to formulate any new scheme for promoting articles of handicraft; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF TEXTILES (SHRI KASHIRAM RANA)
(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (d) of Lok Sabha Starred Question No.374 for answer on 14.12.2000.
(a): There are 6181 units registered with Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts and 2501 units registered with Carpet Export Promotion Council.
(b): Concessions and facilities being provided by the Government to exporters with a view to promoting the export of handicrafts items include: duty draw back; pre-shipment and post shipment credit at confessional rate of interest; Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) to exporters for participation in international fairs/exhibitions; study tour etc; assistance for organizing Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair and Indian Carpet Expo for International buyers at new Delhi; assistance in organisation of workshops on export procedure, documentation and packaging etc., design and technology upgradation; setting up National Centre for product and design development at Moradabad and Indian Institute of Carpet Technology at Bhadohi.
(c) & (d): No new scheme has been formulated. However, the Government has approved the proposal of Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts to set up India Exposition Mart at Greater NOIDA, with a view to providing for a permanent contact point for international buyers. The Mart will have all facilities of international standards and is expected to boost export of Indian Handicrafts significantly.