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CHAPTER VII

POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES AVAILABLE IN

PROMOTION OF HANDICRAFTS ARTISANS

In this chapter the researcher has tried to analyze and understand the policies

and programmes made by the Government for the betterment of handicrafts sector

and its artisans. And it is associated with the institutions like Planning Commission,

Export Promotion Council of Handicrafts (EPCH) and other such bodies to

effectively provide to the emerging needs of the sector. The government

interventions are exists in forms of Five year plans on handicrafts, policy of the

Government on exports from time to time, new foreign trade policy, institutional

developments in the sector to address specific needs and problems, various effective

approaches in increasing productivity and marketing, and it also reflects about the

welfare services which are availed and meat for the artisans development. The

present chapter also found the level of awareness and knowledge of woman artisans

regarding various developmental schemes and services which are being provided by

the government for the development and promotion of handicraft sector and artisans

as well.

After 1947 the first intervention policy was formulated by Industries

Conference. They identified the problems and challenges faced by the cottage

industry sector. On recommendation of the conference, All India Cottage Industries

Board was established in 1948. However, the Board could not do much since it had

no executive power. The Cottage Industries Directorate was formed within the

Directorate General of Industries and supplies to execute the decisions of the board.

(Jalal, 1991). To attract the foreign buyers and also to enhance the marketing of

domestic cottage industries products, a Central Cottage Industries Emporium was

established at Delhi. Under its recommendation the central Government placed fund

with state government to promote the sector. Secondly, for undertaking research in

the areas of raw material utilization and cottage industries the Government also

established the Central Institute of Cottage Industries. (Jaya, 2013)

However, it could not possible for the Board to bring in the expected result in

terms of reviving the sectors in a desirable manner. By keeping the

recommendations Government of India created three separate organizations such as

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All India Handicrafts Board, All India Handloom Board, and All India Khadi and

Village Industries Board. In subsequent phases Coir Board and Central Silk Board

were also established in the year 1954. (Jaya 2013)

After that in 1980, the All India Handicrafts Board constituted two sections

viz Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) and Development Commissioner

(Handloom) that came under the control of Ministry of Textile. Since then DC (H)

has played a major role in the promotion of handicrafts in the country with focus on

survey, design development, marketing extension and other areas concerning the

crafts people in the country. It initiated steps to establish Handicrafts Marketing and

Service Extension Centres, establishment of Regional Design and Technical

Development Centre, formulation of training programmes, marketing through

exhibitions and setting of Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts. (Jaya 2013)

Cluster based approach was initiated to develop handicrafts sector and

handicrafts artisans at national and regional level. Following these, different

departments of Government of India and state Governments have adopted this model

in promoting rural development at the grass roots level. As per the Working group

Report on 12th

Five Year Plan there are 2864 handicrafts clusters all over India out

of which there are a 268 clusters in Orissa which is second to UP that accounts for

325 clusters. (Working Group Report on 12th

Five Year Plan). Government of Orissa

was also started cluster based approach and subsequently also started cluster

sustainability projects to maintain the cluster running mode. (DH & CI, Govt. of

Orissa)

In the fifth five year plan, Planning Commission made provisions for the

promotion of handicrafts sector. The measures thrust areas taken up in this five year

plan were developing the capacity of the artisans, providing marketing facilities,

strengthening co-operatives, design development of the crafts and promoting the

domestic export sale. The commission was also noticed the role of intermediaries in

supply of raw materials, providing financial assistance, and marketing during the

seventh plan. So the commission was decided to reduce the role of intermediaries by

strengthening the artisans groups itself. During the eighth plan Government focused

on increasing employment and income opportunity for artisans in the handicrafts

sector. The government was also focused to increase the export system. Apart from

the Government organizations other non-governmental organizations organized

exhibitions and craftmela for improving marketing opportunities for craftsman. A

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number of schemes pertaining to training, design development, market and export

promotion were undertaken during this period. The major thrust of the ninth five

year plan was on marketing, skill up-gradation and preservation of craft heritage.

The tenth five year plan had visualized the practical implications of schemes like

Shilpi Guru Awards, Kalasikshya Scheme, setting up of state initiated design centre

and Handicrafts Museums, creating artisan credit cards, Silpi Samabaya Bima

Yojana and implementation of Babasahib Ambedkar Hastasilpa Vikash Yojana.

Besides these, thrust was also on design, marketing, planning and research, exports,

training and cluster development programmes, Geographical Indication and IPR.

(Basu 2005). The 12th

Plan paid special attention to the development of Women,

Minority and SC/ST communities, Marketing of Handmade carpets, brand building

and Geographic Indicators, revival of languishing crafts, entrepreneurship

development, advocacy and policy support, housing and work shed and monitoring

& evaluation. The major focus of the twelve five year plan included Cluster

Development Interventions, availability of credit to the artisans, design and

technology up-gradation, marketing promotion, development of infrastructure,

human resource development and training, social security, research and

development, development of north eastern region. (Working Group Report on 12th

Five Year Plan)

The following schemes and services are being provided by the government

for the welfare and development of handicrafts and handicrafts artisans.

• Babasahib Ambedkar Hastashilp Vikas Yojana, Bima Yojana for handicrafts

artisans,

• Credit Guarantee Scheme,

• Research and Development, Design and Technology Upgradation,

• Training and Extension,

• Marketing Support and Services,

• Financial Assistance to State Handicraft Development Corporation.

Whereas in State Govt. the following schemes are provided

• Employment Generation

• Modernization and Upgradation Technology

• Input Support

• Publicity and Exhibitions

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• Welfare Measures

• Infrastructural Support

• Marketing Support

7.1 Knowledge about Government Schemes

Table no 7.1

Distribution of Respondents as per Knowledge regarding Govt. Schemes

Attributes S. No

Yes No

Total

1 Tribe 96

(48%)

104

(52%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe 189

(94.5%)

11

(5.5%)

200

(100%)

Total 285 115 400

The table 7.1 shows the distribution of percentage of respondents as per their

knowledge regarding government schemes, policies and services. Out of the total

respondents of tribal woman artisan majority 52 percent of respondents have replied

that they are not aware about the government polices schemes and welfare services

for artisans. And only 48 percent of the respondents have told that they are aware

and having little bit knowledge of these schemes and services.

Among non-tribal woman artisans, majority 94.5 percent of the artisans have

replied that they are having the knowledge and also aware about the Government

Schemes and Services. And only 5.5 percent respondents have no idea and they are

not aware of Government schemes & services.

The above table shows that, majority 94.5 percent non-tribal artisans are

aware of Government schemes whereas the tribal artisans it is 48 percent only. Thus

there is a huge gap between the level of awareness and information among these two

groups and it is clearly visible here. Only 5.5 percent of non-tribal artisans said they

don't know anything about government schemes compared to the 52 percent tribal

artisans saying the same. So it reflects that tribal areas are being deprived of to know

the benefits of government schemes and services. In the mean time it can be

analyses in other way that in tribal area the government schemes and services are not

running properly.

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7.2 Type of Government Programmes

Table no 7.2

Distribution of Respondents on basis of Knowledge of Government

Programmes

Attributes S. No

Health

Facility

Identity

Card

Bima

Yojana

Training

Programme

Attending

Craft

Mela

Total

1 Tribe 11

(11.45%)

39

(40.62%)

23

(23.95%)

16

(16.66%)

7

(7.29%)

96

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe

27

(14.28%)

34

(17.98%)

26

(13.75%)

83

(43.91%)

19

(10.05%)

189

(100%)

Total 38 73 49 99 26

Figure 7.1

The table 7.2 shows the figures and percentage of respondents as per the

names of the programmes and policies for the development of handicrafts artisans.

In tribal group of artisan majority i.e. 40.62 percent respondents have said that they

are aware about artisan Identity Card. Followed by 23.95 percent respondents are

having the knowledge of Bima Yojana. And regarding training porogramme 16.66

percent respondents said they are aware of this. And 11.45 percent respondents are

aware of health facilities and only 7.29 percent respondents have replied that they

are known to the attending exhibitions and craft mela programmes etc.

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As regard to the non-tribal woman artisans majority 43.91 percent

respondents have replied for attending training programmes and 17.98 percent

responses came for artisan Identity Card. And 14.28 percent respondents are aware

of health facilities and 13.75 percent respondents are aware of Bima Yojana and

only 10.05 percent respondent replied that they are having the information of

attending the exhibitions and craft melas in different times in various places.

It is clear from the above analysis that training programmes are well known

among non-tribal woman artisans where as making of artisan identity card is the

most known programme for tribal woman artisans. Both the cases the woman

artisans are having some short of information of welfare policies, schemes and

various programmes for artisan development.

7.3 Artisan Identity Card

Table 7.3

Distribution of Respondents as per Artisan Identity Card

Attributes S. No

Yes No

Total

1 Tribe 96

(48%)

104

(52%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe 157

(78.5%)

43

(21.5%)

200

(100%)

Total 253 147 400

The above table distributes the respondents on the basis of having the artisan

identity card. The percentage shows that 48 percent respondents out of the total

respondents from tribal group are having the artisan Identity Card and remaining 52

percent of the tribal woman artisans don't have artisan Identity Card.

Among non-tribal woman artisans majority 78.5 percent of the respondents

are having the artisan Identity Card where as only 21.5 percent respondents do not

have artisan Identity Card.

As we know that identity card plays a vital role in identity proof of an artist.

So it is necessary to have the artisan identity card. To issue this card, the artisan has

to apply the form to the D.C (H) handicraft office. There are many benefits of

having an Identity Card. The artisans can attend National and International craft

melas, they can produce it at the time of availing the benefit of health insurance and

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other benefits like financial assistance from government and applying loan from

Bank etc. So for all these reasons it is necessary to have the artisan identity card. But

here it is clear that tribal group of respondents don't have identity card. So the

government has to take certain awareness programme to make artisans aware about

the artisan identity card. And also the procedure can be simplified for availing and

applying for identity card.

Field Impression

Mrs.Raibari Jani, from Kotpad block of Koraput district has expressed her

emotions and pains in relation to get the artisans identity card. She mentioned that

since last two years she tried for getting artisans Identity card. She visited 4-5 times

to the district industries centre but every time she was told to apply a fresh

application for issuing her artisans identity card. As she is an illiterate person and

having the family responsibility so after 4-5 visits she stopped visiting the office.

Till the date she has not received any correspondence from DIC, Jaypore. She was

not even guided by the officials to fill the form. After her repeated efforts she did not

get her artisan identity card.

7.4 Bima Yojana

Table 7.4

Distribution of the Respondents as per the Knowledge of Bima Yojana

Attributes S. No

Yes No

Total

1 Tribe 127 (63.5%) 73 (36.5%) 200 (100%)

2 Non-Tribe 183 (91.5%) 17 (8.5%) 200 (100%)

Total 310 90 400

The table shows the percentage of respondents who are aware and having the

knowledge of Bima Yojana schemes in handicraft sector. Out of the total tribal

artisans majority 63.5 percent respondents were having the knowledge of Bima

Yojana scheme and remaining 36.5 percent of artisans said they don’t have any

information on Bima Yojana scheme of handicrafts welfare programme.

Among non-tribal woman artisans the researcher has found the same

responses. Out of the total respondent majority 91.5 percent of responses have came

for 'yes' it means they are aware of this Bima Yojana scheme. And only 8.5 percent

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respondents have denied that they don't have any information on Bima Yojana

scheme of handicraft sector.

From the above table it is clear that though the tribal woman artisans are

aware about Bima Yojana scheme of handicraft sector but it is less than in compare

to non-tribal woman artisan’s responses. So here one thing is very clear that tribal

area needs more strategic interventions in case of creating awareness among tribal

artisans to not only promote the Bima Yojana but also to avail those schemes and get

benefits out of it.

7.5 Getting benefits from Bima Yojana

Table 7.5

Distribution of Respondents as per getting benefits from Bima Yojana

Attributes Total S. No

Yes No

1 Tribe 49(38.58%) 78(61.41%) 127 (100%)

2 Non-Tribe 117(63.93%) 66(36.06%) 183 (100%)

Total 166 144

The previous table shows the percentage of artisans regarding the knowledge

of Bima Yojana. But the present table indicates the percentage of respondents who

have already getting the benefits from Bima Yojana schemes.

Figure 7.2

179

Out of the total (127) respondents who have knowledge of Bima Yojana,

38.58 percent respondents from tribal artisans said that they are getting the benefit

from Bima Yojana scheme and remaining majority 61.41 percent of the respondents

have replied that they have not getting the benefits from Bima Yojana scheme so far.

Whereas from the non-tribal women respondent majority 63.93 percent

respondents out of the total respondents i.e. (183) who have the knowledge of Bima

Yojana have said that they have already received the benefits from Bima Yojana

scheme of handicraft sector. And remaining 36.06 percent of the respondents have

replied negatively that till so far they have not received any benefits from Bima

Yojana scheme of handicraft sector.

So it is clear from the above data that non-tribal woman artisans are more

ahead in availing the benefits from Bima Yojana than the tribal woman artisans. In

the mean time it is also noticed that this Bima Yojana scheme has been successfully

running in non-tribal area than the tribal belt.

7.6 Reasons for not getting the Bima Yojana Table 7.6

Distribution of the Responses as per the Reasons given for not

getting benefits from Bima Yojana

Attributes S. No

Don’t Know Whom to

Contact

Don’t Know the

Procedure

lack of Interest

lack of Information

Total

1 Tribe 9

(11.53%)

27

(34.61%)

10

(12.82%)

32

(41.02%)

78

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe 13

(19.69%)

19

(28.78%)

21

(31.81%)

13

(19.69%)

66

(100%)

Total 22 46 31 45

Figure 7.3

180

The above table 7.6 shows the distribution of responses as the reasons those

who have not received the benefit from Bima Yojana. The researcher has got the

multiple responses in this table. Among tribal woman artisans majority 41.02

percent responses came for the reason i.e due to lack of information they are not

getting the benefit from Bima Yojana scheme. Don't know the procedure is the

second highest responses and 34.61 percent responses came for the same reason.

And 12.82 percent responses came for the reason i.e. due to lack of interest they

have not apply for it and only 11.33 percent responses came for the reason that the

artisan don't know whom to contact to avail the Bima Yojana scheme in handicraft

sector.

As regard to the non-tribal woman artisans majority 31.81 percent responses

came for the reason i e. due to lack of interest they have not apply for Bima Yojana

scheme. Followed by 28.78 percent responses came for the reason by saying they

don't know the procedure to avail the Bima Yojana scheme. And both 19.69 percent

of responses came for both reasons i.e. lack of information & don't know whom to

contact to get the benefit from the scheme.

It is clear from the table that most important reason due to which the tribal

artisans are unable to get the benefits from the scheme is lack of information. Where

as in non-tribal artisans lack of interest and don't know the procedure are the reasons

for not applying for Bima Yojana.

7.7 Attitude towards Training Programme and Skill Development

Table 7.7

Distribution of Respondents as per their Attitude towards Training and Skill Development

Attributes S. No

Yes Some

extent

Never

Total

1 Tribe 102

(51%)

79

(39.5%)

19

(9.5%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe 139

(69.5%)

46

(23%)

15

(7.5%)

200

(100%)

Total 241 125 34 400

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The above table shows the attitude of the woman artisans of both tribal and

non-tribal area towards attending training programmes and improvement in their

skill.

Among tribal group of respondents majority 51 percent responses come as

positive attitude that ‘yes’ by attending training programmes their skill has

improved. And 39.5 percent respondents replied that in some extent the skill has

improved by attending the skill development training programmes. But 9.5 percent

of the respondents said that there is no difference in their skill development after

attending training programmes. Their skills have not improved by attending the

training programmes.

As regards to the non-tribal woman artisan respondents majority 69.5 percent

of respondents have gave their positive response towards training programmes &

skill development training programmes. Whereas 23 percent of respondents have

given the mixed responses they said the skill has been improved in some extent by

attending training programmes and only 7.5 percent respondents said they have not

noticed any skill improvement after attending the training programmes of

government.

Comparing the responses from both the groups only 9.5 percent responses

from tribal group and 7.5 percent responses from non-tribal group said that the

training never increases their skills. Whereas remaining responses from both the

groups have said that attending training increases their skills and it develops their

skills in a better way.

7.8 Training Programme Attended

Table 7.8

Distribution of Respondents as they have Attended Training Programmes

Attributes S. No

Yes No

Total

1 Tribe 115

(57.5%)

85

(42.5%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe 147

(73.5%)

53

(26.5%)

200

(100%)

Total 262 138 400

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Figure 7.4

This table reflects the percentage of the respondents in attending any

state/centre level training programmes.

As regard to tribal group of artisans 57.5 percent respondents said that they

have got the opportunity to attend the training programmes of state/centre level

training programme. And only 42.5 percent said they have not attended any training

programme so far.

Among non-tribal woman artisan group majority 73.5 percent respondent

have replied that they have attended training programmes of state/central level

whereas only 26.5 percent respondents said they have not attended any training

programme till the date.

From the above table it is observed that more numbers of non-tribal artisans

have attended the training programmes in compare to the tribal artisans. It also

shows that the importance of training programme for artisan’s skill enhancement.

Field Impression

Mrs. Kumuduni Jani, from tribal group have shown her anguish and said

only the costal belt artisans are getting more opportunities to attend and participated

in skill and design development training. She also said that she had already shown

her interest to attend the skill training programmes. But every time she was denied

by saying that she is not eligible to attend the training programme. She has also

mentioned the non-cooperation behavior and attitude of the government officials.

Due to this, her interest in attending training progemme is gradually reducing day by

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day. Inspite of good education and leadership skills and the most important the

interest and motivation she could not get the chance to attend any skill development

training programme.

7.9 Reasons for not attending Training Programmes

Table 7.9

Distribution of the Responses as per the reasons for not attending the Training Programmes

Attributes S. No

Lack of

information

Yet not

getting

any

chance

Govt. has

not

conducted

any

Training

so far in

your area

Total

1 Tribe 41

(48.23%)

27

(31.76%)

9

(10.58%)

8

(9.41%)

85

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe 14

(26.41%)

39

(73.58%)

0 0 53

(100%)

Total 55 66 9 8

Figure 7.5

The table indicates the numbers and percentage of respondents of those

artisans who have not attended any training programmes with their respective

reasons.

184

Out of total tribal respondents of tribal group 42.5 percent respondent said

they have not attended any training programme. So the researcher wanted to know

the reasons behind this problem. Majority 48.23 percent of the artisans have replied

that due to lack of information, they have not attended the training pogramme.

Followed by 31.76 percent respondents said that they have not got the chance yet to

attend the training programme. And 10.58 percent respondents said that government

has not conducted any training programme. And only 9.41 percent of respondents

have replied that there is no such training programme was conducted in their area so

far.

As regard to the non tribal woman artisan group majority 73.58 percent

respondents said that they have not got the chance to attend such training

programmes and 26.41 percent respondents said that due to lack of information they

just left behind to attend the training programme.

From the above analysis it is found that lack of information and yet not

getting any chance are the two major reasons for both the tribal and non tribal

woman artisans behind their not attending the training programmes.

7.10 Participated in Craft Exhibitions and Melas

Table 7.10

Distribution of the Respondents according to their Participation in Craft

Exhibitions and Melas

Attributes S. No

Yes No

Total

1 Tribe 69

(34.5%)

131

(65.5%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe 97

(48.5%)

103

(51.5%)

200

(100%)

Total 166 234 400

The table distributed the respondents, on the basis of participated in any craft

exhibitions and melas. And the table shows that majority 65.5 percent of

respondents from tribal group have not participated in any craft exhibitions and

meals. Only 34.5 percent respondents said that they have attended participated in

craft exhibitions and melas up to district level.

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Among non-tribal group of artisans the researcher got the mixed responses in

regards to participated in craft exhibitions and meals. About 51.5 percent

respondents said they have not participated in any craft exhibitions and melas

whereas 48.5 percent respondents from non-tribal woman artisan group replied that

they have participated in craft exhibitions up to national and state level craft males.

Here the researcher has noticed that tribal woman artisans are more deprived

of being participate in craft exhibitions and melas in compare to non-tribal woman

artisans.

7.11 Number and level Of Crafts Exhibition attended by Respondents

The following table reflects the percentage of the responses on the basis of

attended the crafts exhibitions and melas at International, National, State and District

level. Here the researcher has received the multi responses from the respondents.

Table 7.11

Distribution of the Respondents as they Participated in different level of Craft Exhibitions and Melas

Attributes S. No

Inter National

Level

National Level

State Level

District Level

1 Participated 0 0 0 69

(34.5%)

2

Tribe

Not-

Participated

200

(100%)

200

(100%)

200

(100%)

131

(65.5%)

3 Participated 0 21

(10.5%)

37

(18.5%)

97

(48.5%)

4

Non-Tribe

Not-

Participated

200

(100%)

179

(89.5%)

163

(81.5%)

103

(51.5%)

Total 400 400 400 400

Among tribal woman artisans only 34.5 percent of the respondents have

replied that ‘yes’ they have participated in district level craft exhibitions and melas

and majority of the respondents i.e. 65.5 percent have said that they have not

attended any crafts exhibitions and melas at district level.

All the 34.5 percent tribal artisans who have said to be a part of any craft

mela have taken part in district level craft exhibitions and melas. Among the non-

tribal artisans, 48.5 percent respondents from non-tribal group have participated in

district level craft exhibitions and melas. And 18.5 percent non-tribal artisans have

186

participated in state level craft exhibitions and melas and 10.5 percent respondents

from non-tribal group have attended and participated in national level craft

exhibitions and melas. Thus it is seen that among the respondents non-tribal artisans

have got more opportunity to participate in state or higher level craft exhibitions

than tribal woman artisans.

To conclude it may be said that the above interventionist policies and

programmes of the Government is an indication that that the handicraft sector is

growing gradually. But as the sector is an unorganized one in terms of production

and marketing. In spite of the best effort of the Government, the share of handicrafts

in the total export of the country remains around 2 percent which is an indication

that there is enough potential to be explored to capture the international markets.

The researcher found out during the study that there are very few entrepreneurs in

tribal area of Orissa in compare to non-tribal areas. Even the tribal woman artisans

are not aware about government schemes and welfare services which are meant for

their development.

As regard to the knowledge and awareness of the schemes and services, both

the state and central government have to give more focus on these and particularly in

tribal belt the Orissa government has to take very strategic steps to spread awareness

in remote tribal areas. It was also observed from this chapter that tribal women

artisans have shown their interest to know about the government schemes and

services. So it is the prime responsibility of the state government to reach at the door

step of tribal artisan and bring them in to the mainstream of the handicrafts sector.

Then only the difference which was found during this study can be address and there

can be holistic development among tribal woman artisan. The Government has taken

up institutional development approach and cluster based craft promotion approach

which needs to be further strengthened to spearhead the progress of the handicrafts

sector in the state.

It is also observed that the role of government official is very important here.

They have to be very familiar and co-operative in their nature and behavior. So the

tribal woman artisans would able to approach the officials without any fear. Apart

from this the private institutions and non-government organizations can be

encouraged more to work in grass root level in collaboration with government

department. The NGOs can play the role of organizer by organizing artisans groups.

187

It is praise worthy that the larger organizations like ORUPA, APARAJITA and

ANWESHA that works with artisan groups have shown visible impacts in terms of

organizing the artisans in groups. It is through these institutions that the SHG based

craft entrepreneurship has been promoted and there are many smaller level NGOs

who are taking initiatives at the grass roots level to organize the artisans in groups.

It has been observed that the Government is taking the help of NGOs and the

artisan associations to provide the benefits to the artisans in the state. The office of

the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Government of India has a

Marketing and Service Extension Centre at Bhubaneswar that is also supplementing

the effort of the NGOs and the Government to develop the sector in the state.