Outstanding handicraft exporters get recognition

Union Minister of Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani, distributed export awards for excellence in exports to Handicrafts exporters for the year 2013-14 and 2014-15 in a colourful ceremony at Hotel Ashok, Chankayapuri, New Delhi.

The Export Awards for outstanding performance of handicrafts exports to total 134 exporters i.e. 66 awards for 2013-14 and 68 awards for 2014-15 were distributed during the ceremony. Out of 134 Awards, 53 trophies [including hat-tricks]  & 81 merit certificates were given under each product category such as Artmetelware, EPNS Handicrafts, Woodwares, Zari Handicrafts, Lace, Laces & Embroidery, India Items, Textiles based handicrafts, fashion jewellery, marble alabaster & crafted stone. 

The top export award for all handicrafts was given to M/s Designco, Moradabad for the year 2013-14.  Vinay Kumar Gupta received the award.  M/s Designco also received merit certificate being second highest in exporting glass artware.

Top export award for all handicrafts for the year 2014-15 was received by M/s C.L. Gupta Exports Ltd, J.P. Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. Ajai Kumar Gupta received the award. M/s C.L. Gupta Exports Pvt. Ltd. also received merit certificate being second highest in exporting glass artware and regional award. 

Smriti Zubin Irani, during award function urged the exporting community to come forward for the education of the children of the craftspersons through open schools or otherwise.

She further said that education of the children of craftspersons should be fully sponsored through the industry participation.  Mr. Rakesh Kumar, ED – EPCH said that it agreed to the same and about 10,000 children of the craftspersons are being targeted by EPCH to be educated in the first phase as a social welfare measure.

The Union Minister of Textiles asked  EPCH to begin award for entrepreneurs who are in innovation and packaging, physically challenged entrepreneurs and best award for tribal handicrafts.

The Minister congratulated all award winners for their excellent work being done by them and advised to keep the momentum intact and do much better in future.  She posed her confidence for those exporters who could not receive awards and hoped that they would make efforts to become recipient of award in future.Mr Rakesh Kumar informed that instant action taken by Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Textiles, Vriksh has been accepted in lieu of permit of cites for exporting product made out of sheesham and rose wood.