The Government confers National Award under Design and Technical Development Scheme wherein 135 Shilp Guru Awards, 1093 National Awards and 815 National Merit Certificates have been awarded to mastercraft persons across the country till date.

The Government implements various schemes for promotion and development of handicrafts sector under “National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP)” and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS). 

The NHDP has following components:

1. Base Line Survey & Mobilization of Artisans under Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana
2. Design & Technology Upgradation
3. Human Resource Development 
4. Direct Benefit to Artisans
5. Infrastructure and Technology Support
6. Research and Development
7. Marketing Support & Services

The CHCDS has following components: 

1. Mega Cluster
2. Special projects under Integrated Development and Promotion of Handicraft

To preserve all the antique handicrafts products of the country, the Government has established crafts Museum at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, which is popularly known as National Handicrafts and Handloom Museum.

In addition to the abovethe Government has also established 18 Museums throughout the country under Infrastructure and Technology Support scheme to preserve traditional art and craft products of the country including 35 endangered crafts for which Government provides financial, technical assistance under Guru Shishya Parampara, Skill Upgradation Training, Marketing Support and Infrastructure Support for development of artisans.

This information was given by the Minister of State of Textiles, Ajay Tamta, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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MM/ SB