The Hastkala Conclave,organised by Ministry of Textiles,was held recently at New Delhi with the objective of developing awareness about the versatility of craftsmanship of Indian hand-crafted goods and woven products among the corporate sector. The Ministry,striving to preserve,protect and promote India's cultural heritage,embarked upon this maiden initiative through the Offices of Development Commissioner (handicrafts & handlooms) to link the lowest level of the sector viz. artisans,craftsperson and weavers to the highest level of economy viz. corporate,consumers and MNCs. Several heads of corporate and industrial houses attended the conclave. ITC,Reliance Industries,Yes Bank,IDBI Bank were also among the participanys. The sector plays a very important role in the economic and social life of the country. It provides direct employment to more than 11 million artisans,craftsperson and weavers,mainly belonging to economically and socially weaker sections of the society. Out of the estimated production of Rs 32,000 crore of handicrafts (including carpet) around Rs 17,000 crore worth of products are exported.
