India : Handicraft & carpet export rise - Ministry of Textiles

The Minister of State for Textiles, Shri E.V.K.S. Elangovan, informed the Lok Sabha, in a written reply to a question by Smt. Nivedita Mane & Shri Rasheed Masood that the demand of both handicraft and Indian carpet has been increasing during the last three years.
The exports figures of handicrafts and carpets of last three years are as below.
The Minister further informed that there is no provision under schemes implemented by Govt to provide any special compensation directly to the artisans engaged in handicrafts & carpet manufacturing sector.
However, the Master craft persons are sponsored to participate for display and live demonstration in the international fairs/exhibitions under agreed Cultural Exchange Programme between India & other nations from time to time.
In addition, Master crafts persons also participate in the overseas events thorough Central/State Handicrafts Development Corporations/Export Promotion Councils, etc. Apart from this a health insurance Scheme for the artisans is also implemented.
The Minister also informed that the Government has taken steps under 11th Plan which include participation in international exhibitions/fairs, organizing of seminars on Brand Image Promotion of Indian Handicrafts abroad with a view to create awareness/exposure which ultimately helps to enhance share of handicrafts in the global market.