Indian Government has started promoting brand image of Indian handicrafts, including handmade carpets and other floor coverings, in global markets. The Government has initiated steps like Market Development Assistance (MDA) Grant and Market Access Initiative (MAI) Assistance for participation in fairs & exhibitions/reverse/buyer-seller meet in India and abroad to promote Indian handicrafts. This information was shared by the Union Textiles Minister Smriti Zubin Irani.
North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd. (under the administrative control of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region) has also been set up which is pivotal in providing financial, technical and other assistance to craftsmen, weavers, co-operatives and other establishments.
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The NEHHDC also organizes production through co-operatives, artisans or its own production centres and operates schemes for the development of handicrafts, handlooms and allied products. It also establishes production centres for those craft industries where the demand is growing and gives training for upgrading traditional skills of the craftsmen.
Additionally, steps like thematic display and live demonstration of crafts by master craftsmen in exhibitions abroad, and organizing Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair twice a year besides product specific shows have also been undertaken for the betterment of the sector.
