Irani honours handicraft exporters
Smriti Zubin Irani, Union Minister of Textiles, distributed export awards for excellence in exports to handicrafts exporters for the year 2015-16 and 2016-17, in a colourful ceremony at India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida, on December 19. Along with Irnai, Ajay Tamta, Union Minister of State for Textiles and Shantmanu, Development Commissioner [Handicrafts] were also present among other eminent personalities to attend the award ceremony.
After distributing awards, Smriti Zubin Irani addressed the gathering and said that the export awards always inspire the concerned to do better and better and strive even harder to attain growth in the years ahead and encourage others to make additional efforts to win the award next year.
"I believe that this kind of healthy competition keeps the momentum going, not only for the individuals but also pave way in enhancing foreign exchange earnings for the country thereby creating brand image of magic of the gifted hands of millions of artisans and craftspersons who are backbone of the sector and engaged across different craft clusters of the country," she added.
Irani appreciated EPCH for starting diploma course for the children of the artisans working in the handicraft sector, and applauded performance of the council for being the best in the business and doing excellent work since its inception in every field – whether it is setting up of infrastructural facilities in craft clusters or organising world's largest fair (IHGF-Delhi Fair), twice in a year.
Speaking on the occasion, Ajay Tamta said that he believes the handicraft sector is strongly supported by the Textiles Ministry in terms of policy initiatives and incentives.
'The Export Awards for outstanding performance of handicrafts exports' were distributed to a total of 136 exporters. Out of which, 70 awards for the year 2015-16 and 66 awards for the year 2016-17, were given during the ceremony. 54 trophies [including hat-tricks], 69 merit certificate and 13 platinum awards were given under each product category such as art metalware, EPNS handicrafts, woodwares, zari handicrafts, lace, laces, and embroidery to name a few.
To begin the felicitation ceremony, 'The top export award' for all handicrafts was given to CL Gupta Exports Private Limited, Moradabad for the year 2015-16 and 2016-17 along with the merit certificate for being the second highest in exporting glass art-ware for 2015-16 and Marble Alabaster and crafted stones for excellent export growth for 2016-17.
For the category of 'Lifetime achievement', Vinod Khanna of Nodi Export, Moradabad were awarded for their efforts towards outstanding contribution for promotion of Indian handicrafts sector and contribution for his social services to the Moradabad Mega Cluster for health and other causes of people.
Though there were many other awards given at the ceremony, Special commendation towards recognition of services to the Indian handicraft sector was also conferred to Dr A M Singh, IFS, Special Principal Chief Conservator of Forests[Planning], Najmul Islam of Moradabad Handicrafts of India, Vishal Dhingra from Speciality Merchandising Services, Noida, and Ruma Devi from Gramin Vikas Evam Chetna Sansthan.
Speaking on the occasion, O P Prahladka, Chairman-EPCH said: "In order to explore and foray into emerging and new markets, the council recently participated in a show in West African Market of Nigeria at Lagos."
He further informed that the council is also making presentations to various industry associations/chambers in Lagos to encourage the buying community in Nigeria and source their requirements of home, lifestyle, fashion, furniture and textiles products from India.
Apart from the awards, Rakesh Kumar, ED-EPCH presented the statistics of the handicrafts exports during both the tenures at the event. The handicrafts exports during the year 2015-16 were to the tune of Rs 21,557.12 crores which touched Rs 24,392.39 crore in 2016-17 with an overall increase in exports of 13.15% in rupee terms and 10.52% in dollar terms. On the other hand, the exports during 2018-19 went ahead up to Rs 16,825.75 crore during April-November, 2018-19.
He further elaborated about the Council's initiatives in the field of skill development in the craft clusters of Narsapur, Jodhpur, and Barmer and also emphasised council's initiatives towards artisan's welfare through health and education benefits to the artisans and their family.
