To encourage the growth of clusters in agricultural and non-agricultural sectors, the Ministry of Rural Development, Govt. of India, has launched National Rural Economic Transformation Project (NRETP). The project is being carried out across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka and Rajasthan. EDII has been engaged as the Technical Support Agency (TSA) for extending technical assistance to artisan clusters. The Institute has been engaged with various State Rural Livelihood Missions to function as Technical Support Agency particularly for artisanal clusters.
The objectives of Cluster Development initiatives under NRETP include improvement in parameters like increase in wages, turnover, employment (hours/days/months of engagement), number of enterprises, exports etc.
Some key highlights of activities conducted under various clusters are as follows:
Dahod Pottery Cluster, Gujarat
119 artisans sensitized, out of which 83 artisans enrolled as shareholders in the Producer Company.
Under the PM-Vishwakarma Scheme, 44 artisans registered, out of which 23 received skill training and Rs. 15,000 each for toolkits, while 8 artisans received Rs. 1 lakh each, as working capital assistance.
87 Artisan cards approved by District Industry Commission and additional applications of 27 artisan cards submitted.
In partnership with Gujarat Matikam Kalakari & Rural Technology Institute (GMKRTI), 28 electric chaaks, 29 electric pugmills and 3 bhaththis were distributed to 32 artisans at a cost of Rs. 15.23 lakh.
Multiple skill development trainings conducted, thus training 74 artisans to product development, design upgradation, financial literacy, marketing linkages and product marketing.
- Kolhapuri Footwear Cluster, Maharashtra
280 artisans enrolled as shareholders in the Kolhapuri Leather & Chappal Works Producer Company Limited.
192 artisan cards were issued by the Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
A Digital Literacy workshop was held in collaboration with the Bank of Maharashtra.
Multiple Skill and Design Development Trainings were conducted, thus trained 107 artisans.
- Channapatna Wooden Toys Cluster, Karnataka
The Producer Company has been formally registered.
154 artisans were mobilized and oriented through visits conducted by the Cluster Development Executives (CDEs).
The Cluster participated in an exhibition organized by the IAS Association in Bengaluru, gaining valuable market exposure and sales worth Rs. 4250.
- Badarwas Jacket Cluster, Madhya Pradesh
To strengthen the Badarwas Jacket Cluster and tap into the growing demand for 'Modi Jackets from mill surplus’, the Ministry of Rural Development, Govt. of India, promoted Producers Company under NRETP, led by women artisans. EDII took the onus of training women artisans to produce improved and creatively developed products, explore new markets and adopt scalable business practices.
15 members where especially trained in finance, accounts and friendly government schemes. The training was imparted by seasoned bankers from the State Bank of India.
Multiple training and workshop were held, benefiting 195 artisans.
Women artisans showcased their craftsmanship at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
292 artisans enrolled as shareholders, 250 share certificates were distributed and 169 artisan cards issued.
The Producer Company participated in nine fairs and exhibitions, including IISF Exhibition (Faridabad), Balaghat (MP), NIF Exhibition (Faridabad), Vikram Vyapar Mela (Ujjain), Rang Soota Exhibition (Ahmedabad), Saras Exhibition (Gurugram), IITF Saras Exhibition (New Delhi), Saras Exhibition (Rann Utsav, Kutch) and Mahakumbh Exhibition (Uttar Pradesh), achieving total sales of Rs. 3.55 lakh.