Govt launches USTTAD scheme for artisans from minority communities

In November last year, Modi had laid the foundation stone of a trade facilitation centre and craft museumin Varanasi.

The Centre on Thursday launched “USTTAD” — a flagship welfare scheme aimed at upgrading and promoting the skills of artisans from minority communities — in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency.

Launching the USTTAD — an acronym for Upgrading Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development — Union Minister for Minority Affairs Najma Heptullah, said it was a major initiative of the NDA government to promote the skills and works of the craftsmen and termed the scheme as “close to the PM’s heart”

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The scheme was announced in 2014 with the Finance Ministry allocating Rs 17 crore for it. Heptullah said the programme is linked to ‘Make in India’ campaign and seeks to help artisans connect with buyers.