Raghuvansh Prasad calls for upliftment of rural artisans at Saras 08

New Delhi, Nov 14 (UNI) Stressing upon the need for upliftment of rural artisans, Union Rural Development Minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh here today inaugurated the SARAS 2008 at India International Trade Fair (IITF).

''The government has initiated several measures to ensure training, skil development, placement and provision of proper marketing facilities across the country for rural products,'' he said.

The States have been asked to provide adequate facilities in helping the marketing of rural products, he added.

The minister fourther said during the current year, 4.70 crore accounts have been opened in bank/post offices for the rural households and the number of self-help groups have reached to nearly 30 lakh, adding that, by 2012, every people household in the country at least one member will be associated through a self-help group.

SARAS 2008 aims to facilitate the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna (SGSY) beneficiaries, rural artisans, craftsmen, self help groups (SHGs) and NGOs to exhibit and sell their products, and to provide them the opportunity for additional income and exposure on a large scale.

It is exhibiting over 310 stalls with 600 artisans displaying a variety of products prepared by rural artisans across the country.

Nearly 340 self-help groups are participating in the SARAS Mela.

The theme of Saras Mela this year is the 'Sari&Dress Material from India.' UNI AK PY RAI2119