In the spirit of healthy competition

The handicraft industry in India had propelled in the recent past and to acknowledge that an award ceremony has been planned out. The awards for outstanding performance in exports of handicrafts for the year 2013 – 14 and 2014 –15 will be distributed on the January 9, to 66 and 68 exporters respectively involved in handicrafts production and exports from the country to the world markets at the Convention Hall, Hotel The Ashok, Chankayapuri, New Delhi.

While Smriti Zubin Irani, Union Minister of Textiles will be the Chief Guest, Ajay Tamta, Minister of State for Textiles (Independent Charge) will also grace the export award ceremony. KK Jalan, Secretary, MSME and Additional Charge of Ministry of Textiles will be present during award function beside luminaries from the trade and industry, exporters of handicrafts, said Rakesh Kumar, Executive Director – Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts. 

The institution of export awards on yearly basis has evolved and is being implemented by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), which is an apex body for development and promotion of exports of handicrafts from the country. The export awards are given based on the export performance of the exporters and are selected by Export Awards Selection Committee chaired by Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) or his nominee (Addl Development Commissioner – Handicrafts) and members of Committee of Administration of the Council. Five types of awards are given to the exporters of handicrafts based on their highest export performance which are duly attested by their Chartered Accountant viz top export award (all handicrafts) and top export award (product categories); Women entrepreneur award; and Regional export award.

Rakesh Kumar also informed that the objective of giving away export awards is to create a sense of healthy competition amongst the exporters and to encourage wholesome competition through the institution of such prestigious awards. The awards have become a coveted recognition amongst the handicraft exporters as more and more exporters strive to receive this award. 

There will be 53 recipients of trophies ( including hat trick) for 2013 – 14 and 2014 – 15 under each product category. Eight companies which are totally run and directed by women will be given trophies as women entrepreneurs for the two years. 42 merit certificates will also be given to those who stand second in the export performance in each product category. 28 merit certificates for excellent export growth in specific product categories and 11 merit certificates regional awards will also be distributed. 

Apart from above, life time achievement awards for outstanding contribution towards handicraft sector will also be given.