Delhi CM announces hike in the state award money for artisans

Bringing cheers to the handicraft artisans, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today announced a hike in the state award money for them.
The state award till now carried a certificate along with an amount of Rs 25,000, while the award for excellence carried a certificate and an amount of Rs 15,000. The consolation award carried a certificate and an amount of Rs 10,000.
"From next year, the award money will be hiked to Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively," Dikshit said after presenting state awards to handicraft artisans for 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11 at a function here.

Dikshit said the art of handicraft symbolises rich cultural heritage of the country. Handicraft items from one state are acceptable in other states and thus they go a long way in uniting the country.
"The government would continue to encourage handicraft artisans of Delhi. We are proud of our artisans who have been creating wonders with their handicrafts skill," she said.
The artisans have been getting training through their traditional professions. By virtue of such training, they have been achieving the newer heights in this field, she said.
Delhi Industries Minister Haroon Yusuf said that the industries department has been making realistic evaluation while deciding the names of awardees. The handicraft artisans have also been contributing in the prosperity of the state, he added.