As Machilipatnam’s traditional Kalamkari art is on the decline owing to unnatural production practices and indiscriminate use of screen printing, the Central government is reportedly exploring ways to revive it through the Ministry of textiles.
“Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman has evolved a road map to give fillip to the Kalamkari art form and industry as well. She promised action to rescue the art form,” highly placed sources said.
Charter of recommendations
The sources also explained that a charter of recommendations on the ways to develop the art form and improve the industry is being prepared for submission to Ms. Sitharaman soon.
On March 14, Ms. Sitharaman held talks with the concerned seeking a ground level report on the Kalamkari industry along with suggestions and business and production operations.
“The keen interest of the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Textiles on the rural art form will be discussed with Machilipatnam MP K. Narayana before submission of the detailed report,” sources said.
GI tag
The Government of India, under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999, has issued GI tag to the Kalamkari industry in 2012 but it has failed to keep vigil on maintaining the process and production standards claimed by the production units in the registry.
