Local Artisans

Once a thriving craft adorning the Taj Mahal, Pachchikari now battles low demand, poor earnings and fading interest among artisans, who seek government aid to revive the dying art

The humble Kolhapuri chappal, one of India's most iconic traditional crafts, is enjoying renewed prominence not only in domestic fashion circles but also in international markets, amid Italian brand Prada being accused of appropriating the footwear. The GI-tagged handmade flat leather sandals, known for their intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage, now carry an added layer of protection and authenticity in the form of QR codes, thanks to recent technological and legal innovations. The move aims to check counterfeiting and highlight the identity of the artisan behind each product, boost consumer trust and strengthen the market position of the traditional craftsmen, officials from the government-run Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra (LIDCOM) said. Recently, artisans cried foul after footwear similar to the Kolhapuri chappals featured in Italian luxury fashion brand Prada's new collection, alleging violation of the GI (Geographical Indication) ...

The row began after Prada revealed leather sandals at Milan Fashion Week that closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals

The furore even saw sales of Indian sandals boom, with sellers and artisans seeing the controversy as a way to promote the heritage craft by tapping into nationalist pride

Linking of the Prada brand name to the Kolhapuri sandals, which are made by around 7,000 artisans in India, is providing a business opportunity for some

Though the craft is ingrained in Odisha's traditions, the artisans struggle with low wages, lack of policy support, and the vice-like grip of middlemen

Members of Paralympic contingent, sarpanches from top-performing villages, handloom artisans, and forest and wildlife conservation workers are among the nearly 10,000 special guests invited to witness the 76th Republic Day Parade at the Kartavya Path here, the government said on Thursday. "These architects of 'Swarnim Bharat', with diverse backgrounds, include best performers in various fields and those who have made best use of the schemes of the government," the defence ministry said in a statement. In line with the objective to increase 'Jan Bhagidari' (public participation) in events of national importance, approximately 10,000 special guests have been invited to witness the Republic Day Parade, it said. The ministry also shared that these special guests have been drawn fro diverse areas and fields, falling into 31 categories. 'Sarpanches from top performing village', 'Disaster Relief Workers', 'Best performing Water Warriors', 'Guests from Vibrant Villages', 'Guests from North

Data shows that the Centre is ready to lend a helping hand, irrespective of political differences between state and Centre, if a state is eager to take advantage of its schemes

Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday wrote to Union Minister for MSME, Jitan Ram Manjhi, informing him that the Tamil Nadu government will not implement the PM Vishwakarma scheme in its present form. The state has decided to formulate a more inclusive and comprehensive scheme based on social justice for artisans, which does not discriminate based on caste, Stalin said in a letter to Manjhi. The state had sought modification in the Viswakarma scheme, Stalin said citing his letter to PM Modi on January 4, 2024. The CM recalled that, moving forward, Tamil Nadu also constituted a committee to study that scheme in the wake of concerns that this initiative strengthens the system of 'caste-based vocation.' Subsequently, the panel recommended modifications to the central scheme and it was brought to the attention of PM Modi. To this, though there was a reply on March 15, 2024 from the MSME Department, there was no mention of the modifications suggested by Tamil Nadu. Hence, Stalin said:

Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar on Tuesday inaugurated a digital platform dedicated to enhancing market access for artisans from the marginalised communities, including SCs, STs, OBCs, safai karmacharis, Persons with Disabilities and minority communities. Launched under the guidance of the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the platform called Tulip aims to connect India's skilled artisans with both domestic and global markets. Speaking at the launch of Tulip during the Shilp Samagam Mela held at Dilli Haat, the Union minister emphasised the government's commitment to fostering financial independence among India's traditional craft workers. "Our aim is to bring people from the marginalised communities, including SCs and safai karamcharis, into the mainstream. We are working towards their empowerment, making them aatmanirbhar (self-reliant)," he said, adding the ...

A total of 25.8 million applications have been submitted so far, of which 2.37 million applicants have successfully registered after undergoing a three-step verification process

The resurgence of earthen lamps or diyas, in recent years, has ignited a new hope for young potters, breathing life into a tradition that was once on the brink of decline. The growing demand, fuelled by the popularity of large-scale Deepotsav celebrations being organised in various cities in line with the grand event in Ayodhya and the increasing trend towards sustainable living, has empowered a new generation of artisans to embrace pottery as a viable and promising career. Sachin Prajapati, an engineer-turned-potter, exemplifies this shift. After a decade in the tech industry, he returned to his roots and established a workshop focused on producing clay-based products, including diyas, kulhads, and cups. "I aim to make a significant impact in the market with our clay-based daily use products," Prajapati shared. He is actively working to establish a cooperative with other local potters, fostering skill development and ensuring the sustainability of the craft. Based out of Mankapur,

Cluster development schemes are being run by various central government ministries such as MSME, textiles, food processing, information and technology, and commerce and industry to support MSMEs

The data sourced from the Vishwakarma portal shows that nearly 15 million people applied under the scheme

The railways' "One Station One Product" scheme, under which uniquely designed sale outlets are offered to locals to sell indigenous products, is now operational at 1,037 stations across the country. The scheme was launched on May 20 last year after a 15-day pilot project which received encouraging response among local artisans, craftsmen and workers. "As on November 9 this year, 1,134 OSOP outlets are operational at 1,037 stations in 27 states. While Tamil Nadu tops the list with 146 outlets at 137 stations, West Bengal is second with a similar number of outlets at 123 stations. Uttar Pradesh stands third with 112 outlets at 105 stations," a senior railway official associated with the scheme said. "The scheme is picking up fast and very soon we will see many other stations having these outlets," the official said. Under this scheme, the Indian Railways is providing uniquely designed sale outlets with distinctive look, feel and logo at stations as per the design developed by the ...

The Centre has set a target of providing training to six lakh traditional artisans and craftspeople under the PM Vishwakarma scheme this fiscal, Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) Secretary Atul Kumar Tiwari said here on Monday. The MSDE is optimistic about meeting the target as over 11 lakh applications have already been received for the scheme and the three-stage process for screening applicants and beneficiaries is underway, according to officials. PM Vishwakarma, a central scheme, was launched on September 17 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople. "The government has set a target of training six lakh artisans and craftspeople with an objective to help them improve their earnings and bring them to mainstream growth by way of providing them with expert training in works they are already skilled in, and helping them with toolkits worth Rs 15,000, branding and marketing to scale up their work," Tiwari

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"This scheme is an attempt to take Vishwakarma skills into the modern era, an attempt to increase [your] capabilities," PM said

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment A Narayanaswamy on Sunday said the Prime Minister Vishwakarma scheme is aimed at empowering the Vishwakarma community socially and economically. Addressing a gathering here, he said Puducherry was among the 70 locations where the scheme was launched. Extending his birthday greetings to the Prime Minister today, Narayanaswamy said, "we believe in the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and promoting inclusive growth." Through the PM Vishwakarma scheme we are providing a platform for the Vishwakarma artisans and workers to flourish and contribute to the nation's progress, he said. Under the scheme 30 lakh artisans would benefit across the country with the budget allocation of Rs 13,000 crores. It would enable the artisans to skill and upskill their capacity. Those engaged in one of the 18 family based traditional trades can register on the PM Vishwakarma portal through Common Service Centre with bio metric ...

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the 'PM Vishwakarma' scheme on the occasion of 'Vishwakarma Jayanti', under which traditional craftsmen and artisans will be provided loan assistance at a minimal interest rate without the need for collateral. With a financial outlay of Rs 13,000 crore for a period of five years, the scheme will benefit about 30 lakh families of traditional artisans and craftsmen, including weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, laundry workers, and barbers. The goal of the scheme is to enhance the accessibility and quality of products and services offered by traditional artisans and craftsmen. The scheme offers collateral-free enterprise development loans of Rs 1 lakh (first tranche for 18 months repayment) and Rs 2 lakh (second tranche for 30 months repayment). A concessional rate of interest of 5 per cent will be charged from the beneficiary with interest subvention cap of 8 per cent to be paid by the Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises. The