The 20th Handicrafts Export Awards will recognize the outstanding export contributions of 68 companies during 2012 – 13, in various handicraft product categories at a function at Convention Hall, Hotel The Ashok in New Delhi tomorrow. The Awards will also honour individual stalwarts of the sector, with life-time achievement awards and special commendations.
Rajiv Pratap Rudy, minister of state for skill development and entrepreneurship & parliamentary Affairs will be the chief guest. Santosh Kumar Gangwar, textile minister will preside over the function and distribute the awards. S.K. Panda, textile secretary will be the guest of honour; S.K. Biswas, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) will also grace the occasion. Luminaries from the industry and handicrafts exporters will also be present at the function.
Coinciding with the event, a new institution, ‘Handicrafts & Carpet Sector Skill Council’, will also be launched by the skill development and entrepreneurship minister. The institution will promote skill development among artisans, craft persons and workers at grassroots level. This would enable them to adopt latest techniques and become more productive.
The Handicrafts Export Awards are organized and given by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), an apex handicrafts body, to honour the leading exporters of the country. They are a part of EPCH’s efforts to accelerate the growth of handicrafts exports. Recognizing the exporters for their outstanding performance boosts the morale of the exporter community. It also fosters a healthy competition among them, enhancing exports.
The Awards which were instituted by EPCH in the year 1989, are given away every year. Three Life Time Achievement Awards and two Special Commendations are also being given at the 20th Awards, to recognize outstanding contribution of individuals towards promotion of handicrafts sector.
