Page 19 - EDII Report 127

Bolstering the Handicraft Legacy

...Hastkala Setu Yojana

Gujarat Cottage and Rural Industry sector possesses the generational wealth of unique
craft skills. However, given the changing customer preferences and lack of opportunities
for these entrepreneurs, there is a need to revisit the sector to induce dynamism in it
through interventions for artisans in the areas of skill training, networking, marketing
support and design development. Commissionerate of Cottage and Rural Industries
(CCRI), Government of Gujarat and EDII envisioned Hastkala Setu Yojana is an ambitious
project aimed at revitalizing the sector. This initiative underscores the vital role of
traditional crafts in sustaining cultural identity and supporting artisan livelihoods Covering
all 33 districts of Gujarat, the project has so far sensitized 34045 artisans, with 23338
receiving advanced skill training and marketing support.

Over the last two months, the project has witnessed enrolment of 940 new artisans to
undergo intervention, registration of 133 new enterprises and 546 specialised domain skill
training programmes among several other result-oriented initiatives. It is heartening to
note that the months of June-July registered Rs. 6.35 crores towards sales generated by
beneficiaries, taking the cumulative sale to Rs. 72.22 crores.

T h e a r t i s a n s o f
Panchmahal district
participated in Malwa
Utsav from June 12-18,
w h e r e 2 0 s t a l l s
generated sales of
₹16.99 lakhs.

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