CCEA okays Rs 316cr mktg aid for artisansBS Reporter / New Delhi December 13, 2007Handicraft artisans will get Rs 316.81 crore marketing support during the 11th Plan period under a new scheme, Marketing Support and Services Scheme which was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today.Briefing reporters, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said: "The money would be used for domestic and international marketing and publicity of the products of these artisans.""Under the scheme, handicraft artisans will get enhanced opportunities to access domestic, international high-end markets and various marketing channels. This will enable them to achieve full-time employment, better returns on their products and new opportunities for employment in rural areas," Chidambaram said.Besides, the scheme would also meet dues amounting to Rs 26.32 crore under the old Marketing Support and Services Scheme, including the erstwhile export promotion scheme implemented during the 10th Plan period.CCEA gave its approval to the textiles ministry
