India is celebrating “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” to commemorate 75 years of independence. This Mahotsav is instrumental in drawing contours of Atmanirbhar Bharat, dedicated to the people of India, envisaged by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. The office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, has actively been participating in the celebration by up scaling its various schemes and programmes meant for handicraft artisans of the country, throughout the official journey of “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” which commenced on 12th March, 2021.

To coincide with the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, on 2nd October, 2021, the office of DC (H) inaugurated Samarth training at 75 training centers in different craft throughout the country. The Samarth training is providing skill training to the 2,250 artisans as well as extending wage compensation of Rs. 300 per day per trainee at these centres. All the courses in Samarth training are National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) aligned as per Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship guidelines. The wage compensation to successful trained artisans is paid through DBT mode directly into the account of the artisans. The Raw material during the training is also provided by the department.

The Office of Development Commissioner (handicrafts) is working hard for making Handicrafts artisans skilled through handicrafts training programs. At all training centers, these programmes were inaugurated by various dignitaries, local representatives such as Member of Legislative Assemblies, Corporators, Administrative Officers, renowned Artisans and various officers of Central/State governments.

Seminar/ Workshops/Chaupals were also organized during the inauguration programme in which artisans were informed about the various schemes of Government of India including schemes of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).

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DJN/TFK