Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday announced a slew of initiatives in the Union Budget 2019 to boost the traditional handicraft industry in India.
She proposed to launch a mission which will integrate traditional artisans and their creative products with global markets.
In order to provide a good marketing platform for the beautiful and exclusive handicrafts of various artisans of the country, the government has ensured that it will obtain geographical indications (GI) and patents for their crafts.
The government has also ensured to set up 100 new clusters in the financial year 2019-20 under the Scheme of Fund for Upgradation and Regeneration of Traditional Industries. This move is expected to benefit 50000 artisans.
In order to strengthen the business of the artisans, Sitharaman informed that 80 livelihood business incubators and 20 technology business incubators will be set up in 2020.