Skilled artisans quit handicraft sector

28 Jun '10

1 min read

Owing to lack of support and the need for immediate help from the Handicrafts Development Corporation and the State Government, skilled artisans are leaving the handicraft industry.

Artisans complained that, the corporation is least interested in marketing goods made by them. In lieu of this, it is selling goods made in North-India like brass items, jewelry, white metal products. Most of these are produced in mechanized workshops.

Citing that, there is no demand for handicrafts of Kerala, the corporation authorities haven't shown interest in exhibiting products made by artisans in Kerala, complained the artisans. According to an official, almost 90 percent of the products in the stalls of Handicraft Development Corporation have been manufactured with the help of machines.

Though the Union Textile Ministry offers funds, under Deen Dayal Hathkargh Protsahan Yogana (DDHPY) scheme, to promote handicraft items, no steps have been taken for project preparation and to submit them to the Centre.

Moreover, measures are also not taken by the corporation to provide raw materials to the artisans. The corporation has still not provided Rs 30 million to artisans for their products, which were sold through the corporation's outlets in past five years.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk - India

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