Smriti Irani, Union Minister of Textiles, Government of India has urged EPCH (Export Promotion Council For Handicrafts) to tie up with National Institute of Open School and open universities like IGNOU so that artisans and their children get better and easy education. “Workers are the backbone of our industry and we should treat them as our family members and also take care of them,” she said during the 21st EPCH Export Awards function, which took place in New Delhi yesterday.
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Showing concern for the handicraft industry, the Minister also assured that soon a meeting will be held with Ministry of Environment to discuss issues related to the handicraft sector. As usual, Irani not only touched hearts with her speech but also showed a ‘strategical’ way to the industry. She also congratulated EPCH for its IHGF (India Handicrafts and Gifts Fair) registering name in Limca Book of Records for hosting largest congregation of 2,750 handicraft exhibitors under one roof.
It may be mentioned here that handicraft export from India has shown 5.12 per cent growth compared to last year despite all the market challenges. The exports stood at Rs. 19,103.98 crore in 2013-14 and Rs. 20,082.53 crore in 2014-15. The Indian handicraft industry is hopeful to achieve its target of Rs. 23,560 crore in the current fiscal year.
