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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1759
ANSWERED ON- 13/02/2026
SCHEMES TO INCREASE HANDICRAFT EXPORTS
1759. SHRI MADAN RATHORE:
Will the Minister of TEXTILES be pleased to state:
(a) the details of schemes to increase handicraft exports;
(b) the details of assistance being provided to artisans in Rajasthan;
(c) the status of connecting the artists to e-commerce platforms;
(d) the details of the training programmes; and
(e) the steps being taken for global branding?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES
(SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)
(a), (b) & (e): The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the aegis of Ministry of
Textiles implements two schemes namely National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) and
Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) for overall development and promotion
of handicrafts sector across the country including the state of Rajasthan. International Marketing Events are
organized in India and abroad under Marketing Support and Services (MSS) component of the NHDP scheme
to promote export of handicraft and strengthen global branding. Support is provided to eligible organizations
for:
Organizing and participating in international fairs.
Conducting International Craft Exposure Programme,
Buyer seller Meet & Reverse Buyer Seller Meet,
Fairs/Exhibitions/Events on Virtual Platform, Road Show.
Implementing overseas awareness campaigns to promote Indian Handicrafts.
In addition, awardee artisans and exporters of handicraft are nominated to participate in these international
marketing events, enabling them to directly access global markets, showcase their craftsmanship, and build
international buyer linkages. The financial support under the MSS component of the NHDP scheme, provides
for space rent, infrastructure facilities, publicity of events, TA/DA and freight charges for participating
artisans in events organized in India. Boarding/lodging charges is also provided to the artisans nominated for
participation in international marketing events.
(c): India Handmade (https://www.indiahandmade.com) is an e-commerce initiative of the Ministry of
Textiles to showcase the work of rural Artisans & Weavers. This platform provides artisans and weavers to
sell their products directly across India helping them achieve financial independence and social recognition. In
addition, the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) has been actively encouraging and
providing handholding support to artisans for registration on Government e-Marketplace (GeM).(d): Various skill development programmes such as Guru Shishya Hastshilp Prashikshan Programme
(GSHPP), Comprehensive Skill Upgradation Programme (CSUP) and Design and Technology Development
Workshop (DDW) are implemented under NHDP scheme to enhance skill development in handicrafts sector.
These training programmes typically run for a duration of 1 to 6 months, with each batch comprising 20 to 30
artisans.
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