Question : Skill Development Programme

(a) whether in the absence of any customised skill development and training programmes, our artisans and craftsmen community is unable to compete with the well-trained and equipped artisans of China in global markets;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) whether the National Centre for Design and Product Development (NCDPD) and Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) have initiated capacity/skill development programme for artisans spread across 30 clusters across the country and if so, the details thereof;

(d) the details of funds allocated and the number of beneficiaries selected under the scheme, State-wise including Karnataka; and

(e) the other major initiatives being taken by the Government towards human resource development in textile sector in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES
(SHRI AJAY TAMTA)

(a) & (b): The Human Resource Development (HRD) Scheme of Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) has been formulated to upgrade the skill of the artisans and to provide qualified and trained workforce to the handicraft sector. The skilled and trained artisans contribute to a strong production base leading to production of high quality products that cater to present day market requirement. Indian handicrafts products are made by hand whereas in China and other countries the craft products are largely mechanised. As such Indian artisans are skilled and well equipped to compete in the global market.

(c): Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) organizes skill development programmes which are being conducted by various implementing agencies including National Centre for Design and Product Development (NCDPD) and Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) across various clusters in the country. During the financial year 2017-18, 141 such programmes have been implemented by National Center for Design and Product Development (NCDPD) benefiting more than 2800 artisans. The details are as per Annexure-I.

EPCH has also executed skill development programme for artisans sanctioned under Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development (CHCDS) Scheme of DC(Handicrafts) for Narsapur and Jodhpur mega clusters. About 5000 artisans have been trained so far under Narsapur Mega Cluster in crafts of crochet and lace and under Jodhpur Mega Cluster so far 1360 artisans have been trained in the crafts of wood work, hand appliqué, hand embroidery, bone and horn, hand woven durry and hand block printing.

(d): The details of funds allocated and the number of beneficiaries selected during last two years under Human Resource Development Scheme, State-wise including the State of Karnataka is as per Annexure-II.

(e): The major initiatives being taken by the Government towards human resource development in handicraft sector across the country is detailed below:-
i. 149 Technical Training Programmes sanctioned during 2017-18 for an amount of Rs.1260.70 lakhs benefiting 2980 artisans.
ii. 172 Soft Skil Training Programmes sanctioned during 2017-18 for an amount of Rs.222.80 lakhs benefiting 3440 artisans.
iii. 34 Training through Guru Shisya Prampara Training Scheme sanctioned during 2017-18 for an amount of Rs.218.90 lakhs benefiting 510 artisans.
iv. 1 Training through Established Institution sanctioned during 2017-18 for an amount of Rs.44.35 lakhs benefiting 400 artisans.