Steps to protect handicrafts heritage

Machilipatnam, May 8 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited, a state government under taking was engaged in promotion, development and marketing of handicrafts was in the process of protecting the handicrafts heritage, according to a spokesman of the Coporation here today.

Talking to UNI here he said the Corporation was marketing the handicrafts produced by over two lakh artisans and craftspersons through a chain of 'Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporia', by way of Exports, Crafts Bazars, Exhibitions and Melas throughout the country. It serves as a rallying point and a bridge between the artisans and the customers, he said.

As part of its efforts to step up marketing operations, the corporation proposes to open more retail outlets in major commercial places in the country, of the 23 districts, state government to allot free land to enable it to construct the Lapakshi Handicrafts Emporia, he added.

He appealed to the district authorities to allot free land to open a new sales office at Vijayawada to fecilitate and encourage the artisans community in the coastal districts.

He said it will benefit the artisans of eco friendly Kalamkari art, artisans who work under severe poisonous vapour discharges from gold covering indusrty and artisans of Kondapally toys.

UNI