Tripura is enclosed with rich and diverse bamboo resources. Bamboo has been traditionally used in Tripura for various domestic purposes as well as commercial use like marketing of bamboo mats, agarbati sticks, handicrafts etc. Cane and bamboo handicrafts of Tripura are considered to be among the best in the country for their exquisite designs, wide range of products and artistic appeal. The handicrafts have also been exported to some countries. During the year 2015-16, 160 nos. new artisans have been given training and provided necessary tools and kits after completion of training.
Over the years, efforts have been made to organize the handicrafts artisans to the cluster with a view to provide the necessary support, including forward and backward linkages, so that, the sector can grow and realize its full potential. Till 2015-16, about 19 Clusters have been formed. The products of handicrafts artisans are marketed through 16 Sales outlets of THHDC (within the State and outside) as well as through the private traders and also participated in Indian International Trade Fair, New Delhi and Panacea World Trade Centre in Mumbai.
Working Capital provided to the primary handicrafts cooperative Societies as working capital:
During 2015-16, from the State Plan Budget, 19 nos. Primary Handicrafts Cooperative Societies have been provided financial assistance as working capital to continue production and marketing of the product produced by the artisans. Total fund provided to the Cluster Societies (Primary Handicrafts cooperative Societies) was Rs.28.00 lakhs.
Skill Up-gradation training under State Plan Fund:
During 2015-16, under State Plan 80 nos. beneficiaries have been covered and Rs. 9.70 lakhs was spent for the purpose.
Under Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS) implemented by the IL&FS 600 nos. beneficiaries have been provided design development & Skill up-gradation training by IL&FS. The Ministry of Textiles, Sanctioned Rs.544.32 lakhs was sanctioned and out of which Rs 154.00 lakhs has been released by the Ministry of Textiles Govt. of India. From the released fund Rs.118.00 lakhs has been placed to IL&FS till date. The said scheme is continuing and skill up gradation programme also going on.
As per the request of the Department the Welfare for Scheduled Caste Department has placed fund Rs.32.56 lakhs to the Department for imparting training on handicrafts activities to the new SC beneficiaries and 180 nos. beneficiaries have been covered.
Similarly, the Welfare for Scheduled Tribe Department has placed fund Rs. 41.10 lakhs for imparting training on handicrafts activities to the new ST beneficiaries and 109 nos. beneficiaries have been covered with this fund. During training programme beneficiaries have been provided stipend and after completion of training programme they have been given required tools and kits, so that they will be able to produce marketable products.
The TTAADC was provided Rs.8.30 lakh, for development of Handicrafts activities so that the Tribal artisans may convert traditional artisans to commercial artisans for generating income through handicrafts activities. Total 110 nos. artisans have been benefitted. The total beneficiaries all together various sources of fund under skill up gradation programme is 1079 no beneficiaries covered.
Department has participated in collaboration with Tripura Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation THHDC Ltd. (Purbasha) in different International Fairs like-Indian International Trade Fair (IITF), New Delhi and International Handicrafts Gift Fair (IHGF), Noida, New Delhi organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicraft (EPCH). Besides 15 nos. various fair like Dewali Mela, Rajarshi fair, Handloom fairs also participated by artisans in the State. Rs 6.00 lakhs was spent for this purpose.
Source: Economic Review of Tripura 2015-16