PM Modi promises to promote traditional artisanship

New Delhi, Oct 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday underlined his government's commitment to promote traditional artisanship among minorities and strengthen it through better market linkages, proper branding and better access to credit.

In his message on the occasion of 'Jashn e-Usttad' programme organised by Ministry of Minority Affairs, Modi said he was delighted to note that a new scheme USTAAD has been formulated to build the capacity of poor traditional artisan craftsmen and to train minority youth in traditional arts.

He said that such support to the traditional artisans and crsftsmen will add a new dimension to skill India mission, improve the economic conditions of those engaged in this arts and professions.

"It will also open these areas to a larger number of youth to ensure that these skills are not lost over time. I am happy to note that the Ministry is taking necessary initiatives for setting standards for traditional crafts, helping them to establish market linkages through various means which include providing an e-commerce portal and by assisting in the design development and documentation," he said.

The Prime Minister's message was carried in a coffee table book released on the occasion depicting traditional arts and crafts which are integrally linked to the minority communities of India.

"USTAAD is a significant initiative to preserve the rich heritage of traditional arts/crafts which has remained largely neglected so far. I congratulate the traditional artsmnen and the ministry of minority affairs for taking the initiative. I wish the USTAAD a great success," he said in his message.

The book was released my Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh. Minority Affairs Najma Heptulla presided over the function while MoS Minority Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi was also present.

Union Secretary Minority Affairs, Arvind Mayaram was also present at the exhibition showing different forms of craft.

The exhibition was earlier supposed to be a two-day affair ending tomorrow but has been extended for two more days on demand. The venue will shift from New Delhi to Gurgaon from Wednesday.

PTI