For the essence of Indian handicrafts

Union Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran along with Minister of State for Textiles Panabaka Lakshmi having a close look at the articles on display at Dilli Haat in New Delhi on Wednesday. — Photo: R.V. Moorthy

Union Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran inaugurated the “Handicrafts Week” at Dilli Haat opposite INA Market here on Thursday.

Organised by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), the exhibition is showcasing a wide array of products created by master craft-persons from different parts of the country. Shilp gurus, national award winners and national merit certificate holders both from handicraft and handloom sectors, have given their special touch to these traditional items.

For retail buyers

The exhibition, which is on till December 15, has on offer a wide variety of products to retail buyers under the same roof. The product range has the essence of the entire country and the finest handicraft and handlooms.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, a craft competition in kite-making, puppet-making and mehndi is also being held.

On Wednesday, Mr. Maran also distributed insurance claim cheques for the beneficiaries of the Rajiv Gandhi Shilpi Swasthya Bima Yojana, a flagship health insurance scheme being implemented by the Office of the Development Commissioner, for health coverage of artisans. Nearly 20 lakh artisans have been covered under the scheme so far and by the end of the current Five Year Plan period it is expected to cover around 40 lakh artisans.

The activities of the Office of the Development Commissioner this year have been planned in such a manner that there is comprehensive coverage in terms of stakeholders. Some events will be organised centrally in New Delhi while there would be a series of activities at all the six regional offices in Lucknow, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Guwahati. District-level events will also be organised during the week.