23 Sep :“The Government has always given importance to the economic empowerment of poorest of poor among dalits, SCs & STs. Towing the line, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has started many programmes through the State Governments for their economic upliftment” said Smt. Meira Kumar, the Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment at the inaugural of “Shilpotsav – 2008” exhibition organized by the Ministry here today.
The Minister also stressed on the greater participation of female artisans and possibilities of arranging participation of artisans in such Exhibitions overseas. “Shilpotsav – 2008” will showcase products made by beneficiaries, assisted under various developmental schemes of Apex Corporations under the Ministry at Dilli Haat, New Delhi from 23rd September to 6th October, 2008. Over 200 artisans/handicraft persons from all over the country will be participating in this Mega event for 14 days.
The Apex Corporations under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment i.e. National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC), & Development Corporation (NHFDC) and National Safai Karamchari Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC) provide concessional financial assistance to the target group for their self-employment ventures. These Corporations are also provide marketing platform to the beneficiaries so that they can have an exposure of bigger markets like Dilli Haat, IITF, Surajkund etc. from time to time. A variety of products will be on display such as handloom, brass-ware, paper & wooden craft, bamboo, jute, copra products, pottery, artificial jewellery, stone carving, wall hangings etc.
On the inaugural day a cultural programme from Kashmir and Punjab was performed by the artists sponsored by Jammu & Kashmir State Women’s Development Corporations and Punjab Backward Classes Land Development and Finance Corporation, the State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) of National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC). Persons with disability will also perform during cultural programmes to be organized during the event on various days.