Karnataka - Mysore   

Proposal to develop Belavatha crafts complex as tourist spot

MYSORE: A proposal to develop the crafts complex at Belavatha in the city as a tourist spot was mooted at a workshop held to mark the 54th All India Handicrafts Week celebrations here on Thursday.

It was also suggested to form a committee to coordinate with different government agencies and departments to implement various welfare measures for the benefit of artisans.

The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Textiles and the Handicrafts Marketing and Services Extension Centre, Mysore, and was attended by 50 artisans and 12 non-governmental organisations.

The workshop was inaugurated by R. Gokul, Executive Director, Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation, who underlined the imperatives of identifying the problems plaguing the artisans and the need to overcome the marketing limitations. The objective of the workshop was to provide a platform for various NGOs, officials and artisans to resolve the problems facing the artisans and strengthen the crafts field.

Sourcing raw material and marketing were identified as two major issues impeding the growth of handicraft exports despite tremendous market for it in India and abroad. The consensus was that the artisans should be exposed to new designs which have demand in international market.

It was decided to extend insurance coverage for artisans under various schemes introduced by the Union Government and the health insurance will be covered through ICICI Lombard. Also on the anvil, a directory of handcrafts produced and marketed in Mysore for the benefit of the people. The workshop proposed to constitute cluster committees to implement various development schemes for artisans announced by the Government.

The organisers said that the workshop was significant to promote and create greater awareness among the artisans about various schemes available for them.

It is reckoned that there are nearly 15,000 artisans engaged in the production of handcrafts in Mysore district alone and the country’s revenue earnings from the sale and export of handicrafts crossed Rs. 20,000 crore last year.

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