The article discusses the initiatives taken by the Indian Government to implement the Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana (AHVY), a scheme aimed at empowering Indian artisans. The Union Minister of Textiles has provided detailed information about this development in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
The Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana: An Overview
The AHVY was launched by Indian Government in the financial year 2001-2002. The primary objective of this scheme is to mobilize artisans into Self Help Groups and to train these groups on various aspects of forming and running community business enterprises, to ensure self-sustainability of the artisans.
Key Features of the Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana
The Yojana comprises several salient features, which are primarily oriented towards enhancing the skills and abilities of the artisans. These encompass baseline surveys and mobilization of artisans, design and technology upgradation, human resource development and direct benefits to artisans. The Yojana also provides for infrastructure and technological support, as well as research and development input. Additionally, it offers marketing support & services to aid in selling the products crafted by the artisans.
Government’s Initiative
The Government has organized “Hastkala Sahyog Shivirs” in over 300 locations across the country. These platforms provide facilities such as Aadhaar linked identity cards, marketing facilities, Mudra loans, and enrollments under beneficial schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeeven Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana for the welfare of artisans.
| Schemes | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pradhan Mantri Jeeven Jyoti Bima Yojana | Life Insurance Cover |
| Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana | Accident Insurance Cover |
| Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana | Social Security Scheme |
Adoption and Transformation of Clusters
In its initiative to uplift the artisans across the country, the Government has identified and adopted 90 clusters, covering aspirational districts, women clusters, weaker sections and export potential clusters. The aim is to transform these clusters within a span of three years, ensuring self-sustainability of the Self Help Groups and individual artisans within these areas.
Educating Artisans on Sustainable Business Development
In the financial year 2019-20, the Government has initiated campaigns aimed at educating cluster artisans about handicraft producer companies. The focus is on imparting knowledge regarding its importance for long term business development and motivating artisans and Self Help Group members to form producer companies in various cluster regions across the nation.
