Page 24 - EDII Report 128

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.
Preserving and Promoting Gujarat's

Rich Cultural Heritage ...the Hastakala Setu Yojana

The Hastkala Setu Yojana is a significant milestone in the preservation and promotion of
Gujarat's rich heritage crafts. Under the project, since 2020, the Commissioner of Cottage
& Rural Industries, Govt. of Gujarat, in collaboration with EDII, as knowledge partner, has
been instrumental in empowering artisans across 33 districts in Gujarat by providing
hands-on skills, training and market exposure. While over 34250 artisans have been
sensitized, more than 23921 have received advanced training, underscoring EDII's
commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and sustainable development in the state.
Some of the recent activities have created noticeable impact. These include; Handloom
Day Celebration on August 7th, 2024; participation in exhibitions at multiple locations,
organizing Credit Linkage Camps and training programmes.

Janmashtami Hastkala Fest at Dakor. The artisans also attended Bhadarvi Poonam Maha
Mela; Rajya Stariya Hathkradha evam Hastshilp Pradarshni at Bhuj, Kutch, organized by
NABARD and Monsoon Festival at Saputara. The exhibitions featured a wide range of
handmade products, and the artisans underwent B2B linkages as well, which gave them
immense exposure and opportunities.

A Credit Linkage Camp was organized at Tapi on August 23rd, 2024, resulting in 42 bankable
applications under various schemes like Shri Vajpayee Bankable Yojana, Dattopant Thengadi
Yojana, and PM Vishwakarma. The camp also facilitated 35 enterprise registrations and artisan
photoshoots, further enhancing the visibility and credibility of unique handmade products in
the market.

In a bid to boost the bamboo craft industry, EDII arranged an exposure visit on August 3rd
for 30 bamboo craft artisans from the Tapi district to Waghai, Dang. This visit aimed at
imparting learning and sharing best practices, thus equipping the artisans with new
techniques to improve their craft and expand their market reach.

Under the Project, the crafts which were losing sheen and visibility are getting protected,
nurtured, refurbished and relaunched. The efforts are enhancing market recognition and
fostering economic growth of artisanal communities, paving the way for a bright future.
The Project is being coordinated by Dr. Satya Ranjan Acharya, Project Director and Mr.
Brijesh Dave, Sr. Manager, EDII.

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