Centre setting up craft clusters

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani said that the government is setting up 65 craft clusters, and added that need-based interventions have been provided to transform the clusters in a three-year period.

New Delhi: The Government has undertaken the initiative for the adoption of 65 viable craft clusters under mentorship development programme across the country, Union Minister of Textiles Smriti Irani informed in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

Need-based interventions have been provided during the year 2019-2020 and 2020-21 to these clusters to transform them in a time period of three years by ensuring self-sustainment of the SHG/artisans of these clusters.

The clusters have been selected in such a manner that 14 are in aspirational districts, 16 are clusters of women artisans, 11 clusters of OBC and General artisans, 11 clusters of SC artisans, 9 clusters of ST artisans and 4 clusters of G.I.(Geographical Indications) Craft.

In addition, benefits were extended in 145 existing clusters.

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The evaluation of the scheme has been undertaken and the recommendations have been taken note of.

Accordingly, implementation in various craft pockets is being done with modifications.

The government continues taking up viable craft clusters across the country in larger interest of the artisans for their overall development, the reply stated.

Interventions Sanctioned