Wokha, July 10 (MExN): A two-day seminar and workshop for handicraft artisans under Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana (AHVY) was held at Town Hall, Wokha town on July 7 and 8. The event was sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicraft) Ministry of textile, Government of India and implemented by NEPED.
According to a press release on Sunday, Wokha Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Ranjan, while appreciating the NEPED team for hosting the seminar, noted that the efforts should not end with the seminar should include follow up programmes to identify the gaps and problems faced by artisans.
He emphasised the need to have broader varieties of items to be exhibited in the markets and also to accumulate ideas and designs from the different existing aspects of handicrafts without losing the traditional identity. He also urged the NEPED team and the office of Ministry of Textile, Government of India to focus and support design research, technology, support credit and financial assistance as the state lacks in these areas and is unable to export the goods to the fullest possible potential.
T Rollee Vareishim, Sr Asst, Director (H) HSC, Kohima gave a brief highlight on various schemes of DC (Handicrafts) and also the fast access benefits of the Artisan card while W Nahphoa, Branch Manager Bank of Baroda, Wokha Branch spoke about the MUDRA loan that subsidises the benefits that an artisan can possibly avail and also the required documents for applying for the loan.
As per the release, Rajib Chandra Roy, Handicraft Promotion Officer, HSC Kohima highlighted about the GeMPortal for Handicraft Artisans and T Chanbemo Kikon, Commercial State Taxes Officer, Wokha, gave a brief on the importance on GST and tax benefits in handicraft for artisans. He also informed the artisans on how to register, the required documentation and criteria for registration.
Meanwhile, Marilyn Z Yanthan, State Awardee for Jute Craft, and Master Trainer at the Nagaland Women Vocational Training Institute, highlighted about the importance of design. She also gave a brief highlight about the Nagaland Women Vocational Training Institute which provides free training on different trades such as cane and bamboo, embroidery, cutting and tailoring, jewelries and soft toys.
About 200 participants were registered under the seminar which was chaired by Er Renbenthung Humtsoe, Member, NEPED. Vote of thanks was delivered by David V Yepthomi, Member, NEPED, the release stated.
