Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme

Ministry of Textiles has approved the continuation of Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) on October 5, 2021.

Key facts

• CHCDS scheme was approved with a total outlay of Rs 160 crore.
• Scheme will continue up to March 2026 now.
• Under the scheme, infrastructural support, design & technology upgradation, market access etc will be provided to handicrafts artisans.

Aim of the scheme

CHCDS schemes was launched to create world-class infrastructure which will caters to the business needs of local artisans & SMEs in order to boost production and export. These clusters have been set with the objective of assisting the artisans & entrepreneurs in setting up world-class units with modern infrastructure, adequate training, latest technology, and human resource development inputs. It is also coupled with market linkages and production diversification.

Provisions under CHCDS

Under CHCDS, interventions such as Baseline Survey & Activity Mapping, Skill Training, Marketing events, Improved Tool Kits, Publicity, Seminars, capacity building, Design workshops, etc will be provided. Scheme will also provide for Emporiums, Common Facility Centres, Raw Material Banks, Trade Common Production Centres, Facilitation Centres, Design & Resource Centres.

Who will undertake the projects?

Integrated projects will be taken up for development with the help of Central or State Handicrafts Corporations, Autonomous body Council Institute, Registered Co- operatives, Registered SPV, Producer company of artisans, that are having good experience in handicrafts sector.

Focus of the projects

These products will focus on integration of scattered artisans, building grass root level enterprises for them and linking them to SMEs in the handicrafts sector in order to ensure economies of scale. Mega handicraft clusters comprising of 10,000 artisans will be selected for overall development under the scheme.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2021