Handicraft sector to employ 1.3 crore by 2016-17

NEW DELHI: Handicraft sector in the country is expected to employ around 1.3 crore people by 2016-17, Parliament was today informed.

"The number of individuals to be employed with (Handicraft) sector by 2016-17 is estimated to be 12.29 million. The CAGR during the period 2012-13 till 2016-17 is assumed at the rate of 10 per cent," Union Textiles Minister Santosh Gangwar said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

The government has been implementing seven generic schemes for the promotion and development of handicraft sector.

The schemes include the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana; Design & Technology Upgradation Scheme; Marketing Support & Services Scheme; Research & Development Scheme; Human Resource Development Scheme; Handicraft Artisans Comprehensive Welfare Scheme; Infrastructure and Technology Development Scheme.