Govt focusing on e-commerce to promote handicrafts: Minister

E-commerce is a major component of the government's new approach to support and develop the handicrafts sector, Textiles Minister Santosh Gangwar said today.
The minister said that developing and strengthening marketing linkages through various options such as exporters, direct sale and participation in sale expos are other major components of new approach to support and promote to the crafts and artisans.
"A comprehensive National Handicraft Development Programme has been launched which emphasises integrated approach for holistic development & support to the crafts & artisans," the minister informed members of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of Ministry of Textiles here.
"The new approach is built on the key element of empowering artisans by skill upgradation, design development, technology upgradation and supply of raw material, through easily accessible Common Facility Centers at cluster level," Gangwar said.

Gangwar said the government is funding the construction of NIFT campuses at Shillong, Raebareli and Srinagar.
The minister also said that artisans by themselves cannot glorify the rich cultural heritage of our country, therefore, the combined vision and efforts of all stakeholders, along with Government endeavours, is required.
The Members of Parliament highlighted the need to improve the reach of Government schemes to artisans. Citing the huge revenue and export potential of the sector, the MPs called for strengthening of marketing and promotional activities, through advertising and other means.