Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Steps to develop traditional sector

Thiruvananthapuram: Industries Minister Elamaram Karim said here on Thursday that the traditional sector held the key to the economic development of the State.

Inaugurating the valedictory of the two- day KILE Bamboo Fest 2008 organised by the Kerala Institute of Labour and Employment (KILE) here on Thursday, he said the strength of Kerala’s labour was in the traditional sector. The government, he said, was committed to modernising this workforce and protecting their livelihood.

“A major effort is under way to add value to products manufactured by the traditional sector and sell them in the export market. The government had earmarked Rs.7 crore for the Bamboo Corporation to improve the life of traditional craftsmen. We are trying to come up with an action plan to extend the benefits of the scheme to the grassroots level.”

The Minister said the government was exploring means to develop the traditional sector and equip it for new challenges. He distributed awards to the winners of the competitions for bamboo and reed workers held by KILE.

KILE chairman A. Sampath presided over the function. Planning Board member Mridul Eapen participated.

A workshop for traditional craftsmen was also organised in connection with the event. Commissioner, Right To Information, P.N. Vijayakumar; former Additional Labour Commissioner K.V. Mohandas, and MLAs Anathalavattom Anandan and V.J. Thankappan spoke.

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