PANAJI, Feb 26 – Cottage industry, which is almost on the verge of disappearance in many places due to the advent of modern brands, will soon get a facelift in Indian beach resort Goa, a sought-after tourist destination. The state government is mulling branding its handicrafts as part of an initiative to promote the dying industry, reports Press Trust of India (PTI). This is being mooted in the draft of the ‘Goa Industrial cum Investment Policy’ which is in the final stages of preparation.
“A ‘Handmade in Goa’ brand can be created with a logo which will characterise all Goan handmade products,” the draft says. Under the plan, the government would construct a mall known as ‘Shilpagram’ to facilitate selling of handicrafts that would “also act as a tourist attraction.”
It has also plan to give travelling and dearness allowance to the artisans travelling for various fairs or exhibitions within India. State-run Goa Handicrafts Rural Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC) will be given the task to set up a website for developing e-marketing platform, the document states. The website will inform people and tourists what products are available and where, who has produced them, uniqueness of the artisans and other information related to the products.
The government would also identify dying crafts and traditions and impart training to artisans through master craftsmen. Those trained would then be provided suitable platforms to display their products. A packed holiday resort with sunny beaches and panoramic inlands, Goa is known for its coconut and bamboo crafts. The place has a rich heritage of handicrafts and village industries to create employment avenues.
BERNAMA
