Stressing special efforts requiring marketing, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje today said that handicraft, art & craft, heritage and tourism were identities of the desert state of Rajasthan.
"The state government is focusing on promotion of these sectors and to make them create employment opportunities for the artisans," Raje said while chairing the first meeting of the Rajasthan Craft Council here.
Rajasthan Craft Council Comprising of experts of marketing in handicraft, art, weaving etc, has been constituted for policy initiatives in these sectors, she said.
Main objective of the council would be to advice the state government on promotion of design, innovation, skill development, quality control, branding for art and craft sector along with ensuring funds availability, market access and cluster development, she said.
Council would also suggest ways for search of talent in different region, learing skills of artisans and creating employemnt opportunities for them along with conservation of local crafts and arts, CM said.
The council members would utilize their expertise for the benefits of artisans, so that heritage of the state could be conserved and economic conditions of the craftsman and artisan could be improved, she said.
CM also invited suggestion for organising street food festivals and craft festivals at different locations.
Industries Minister G S Kheenvsar, Members of Rajasthan Craft Council Mrs Mira Mehrishi and others were present in the meeting.
Late in the evening CM inaugurated "Dastkaar Bazar" supported by Commisioner Industries, and sponsored by Shree Cement Ltd, Wonder Cement and Vedanta Hindustan Zinc.
About hundred crafts and crafts-people from all over India are participating in the Dastkar Bazaar to be continued till November 8.
