Govt launches Handicrafts & Carpet Sector Skill Council

The government today launched the Handicrafts & Carpet Sector Skill Council here to promote skill development in this space.
The Council will function as the apex body on skill development for the industry as well as coordinate the efforts of various agencies in the area of skill development.
The Council will promote skill development among artisans, craft persons and workers of handicrafts and carpet products, at grassroots level. This would enable them to adopt latest techniques and become more productive.
The Council will be responsible for developing occupational standards; setting up labour market infrastructure; introducing certification & assessment mechanism and providing guidance to the artisans, crafts persons and workers in all aspects of skill development. It will operate from New Delhi.

The Council was launched by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Union Textiles Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar at the 20th Handicrafts Export Awards.
The Handicrafts Export Awards recognise the outstanding export contributions of 68 companies during the year 2012-13, in various handicraft product categories. The Awards will also honour individual stalwarts of the sector, with life-time achievement awards and special commendations.