tnnPrayagraj: To revive traditional handicrafts, the state govt has launched an initiative to transform artisans into self-reliant and skilled entrepreneurs.Earlier, these artisans were confined to crafting products. Now, equipped with enhanced skills and training, they can emerge as entrepreneurs in their own right. Authorities of the development commissioner for handicrafts, under the ministry of textiles, govt of India, have launched an ‘entrepreneurship development campaign’ in the central region of UP.Tanya Banerjee, assistant director (handicrafts), said that a six-day training programme was conducted for artisans at the JIMARS centre for persons with disabilities in Prayagraj. The objective of the initiative was to connect artisans with e-commerce, GST, export processes and banking services, enabling them to evolve from mere craftspeople into successful, self-reliant entrepreneurs.The campaign will be implemented in several phases, while the first phase has concluded. Through this initiative, over 51,000 artisans across the Prayagraj division, which falls under the central region, will be empowered to become entrepreneurs. During the campaign, experts from various fields provided the artisans with insights into the skills relevant to their respective crafts.Banerjee said that the special camp was designed to go beyond the artisans’ traditional crafting skills, aiming to establish them as successful entrepreneurs in a competitive market. As part of this, empanelled designer Anand Mani Bajpai provided the artisans with detailed guidance on modern market trends, design innovation and customer management techniques.Senior entrepreneurship development expert Pramod Kumar Srivastava also provided training on the step-by-step process of setting up a micro-enterprise and creating a business plan. Empanelled designer Dr Srishti Purwar shared insights with the artisans on the practical use of online e-commerce platforms, social media marketing and digital payments. An expert in export management and case studies analysed international trade, export documentation and real-world case studies of successful craft entrepreneurs.Regarding GST and corporate legal guidelines, legal expert Virendra KC briefed the craftspeople on GST registration, filing formalities and the regulations set by the ministry of corporate affairs (MCA) and the registrar of companies (ROC).There are approximately 51,000 craftsmen in the Prayagraj division, skilled in various traditional handicrafts. In the first phase of this initiative aimed at transforming artisans into entrepreneurs, training was provided to those involved in ‘Moonj’ (a type of tall grass/reed) craft and embroidery.Banerjee said that the campaign will provide training to 900 artisans working with ‘Moonj’ and 400 artisans specialising in embroidery. Chand, an artisan from the ‘Moonj’ cluster in Naini Maheva, shared that she has developed and brought to market 26 different types of ‘Moonj’ products. However, due to the middlemen, she was unable to secure a fair price for her work. This entrepreneurship training will now eliminate her dependence on such intermediaries.Sabina Seth, an artisan from the embroidery cluster in the Kareli area of the city, noted that her group consists of over 50 women from Kareli. They have a thorough understanding of their work, but until now, they have not been able to send their products beyond the local market. In this growing world, the market is no longer confined to the local level, and it has expanded to include mobile and internet-based platforms. “The trainers have guided us through the entire process of promoting our products via digital channels and social media,” she added.
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