Encouraging traditional and ethnic beauty, PM Modi extends support to give artisans a global recognition
Varanasi, October 22: India has progressively walked on the path of encouraging handlooms and the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Boosting the handloom artisans and skills, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Carpet Expo in Varanasi via video conferencing, giving the mantra of 5 Fs for the sector. The PM said, "We want our weavers and artisans belonging to the carpet industry to prosper and get global recognition. For this our mantra is Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Fabric, Fabric to Fashion and Fashion to Foreign."
PM Modi said, the government is strengthening the logistic support for the benefit of carpet exporters. Adding further he said, the Centre is working expeditiously on providing showrooms and godown facilities to carpet manufacturers. He said, the government is also providing technological and other support to ensure quality products.
PM Modi appreciated the skills of the carpet makers which, he said, turned the "Made in India carpet" a big brand. He said, India is the biggest producer of carpets today with about 35% of the global market share. PM Modi also spoke of the impressive export performance of the carpet industry sector. He also asserted that steps have been taken to assist weavers and people involved in handicrafts. PM Modi also mentioned that thousands of weavers are taking benefits from the nine common service centres in Varanasi.
The efforts of the government initiates in helping the weavers in making them self-sufficient so that they do not face any problems.
Speaking on the occasion, Textiles Minister Smriti Irani urged labourers working in the carpet industry to help fulfill the Prime Minister's dream of achieving an educated India by ensuring that their children receive higher education.
She said, the government has made arrangements to provide 75 per cent fees for the education of children of poor artisans, who can avail the benefits by enrolling themselves in National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).