Govt to group schemes for handicraft, handloom sector
Zee News, India
New Delhi, April 29: The Central Government has said it plans to rationalize the number of schemes for the handloom and handicraft industries to focus more attention on these sectors.
Twelve existing schemes for the handloom sector would be grouped into five schemes, while in the handicrafts sector, 11 schemes would be merged into seven, Textile Ministry told the Parliamentary Standing Committee on labour. (more…)
Export Council to reactivate craft centre
Joy Online, Ghana
The General Manager of the Ghana Export Promotion Council, Mr Lawrence Prempeh, has said the Council has plans to reactivate the Dabaa Beads Craft Centre in the Atwima-Nwabiagya District.
These included soliciting for financial support for the craftsmen, refurbishment to boost the aesthetic value, extension of electricity to and the provision of exhibition hall for the centre. (more…)
Duplication ‘kills’ local handicraft market
The Swazi Observer, Swaziland
DUPLICATION of products, especially handicraft, has somewhat killed the business.
It is important, therefore, that those in the handicraft sector, get to be ahead in understanding their competition and be at par with the rest of the world.
A consultant is in the country for the next three months, courtesy of the Swaziland Investment and Promotions Authority (SIPA), to level the ground on the challenges faced by the SME sector. (more…)
Lac craft dying a slow death
Newindpress (subscription), India
NABARANGPUR, April 22: The tribal-dominated backward district of Nabarangpur has gained international repute for its traditional lac handicraft. However, due to lack of patronage, it is feared that the art might soon become extinct.Lac, which is the main base of this form of handicraft, was earlier available in plenty in the district. But with gradual shrinking of jungles, artisans now depend on adjacent districts for the raw material. (more…)
Mangkang festival
Source: The Sangai Express
E-Pao.net, India
Imphal, April 22: The fourth session and seventh general conference of the Mangkang (Women) festival was held today at Maram Khullen.
Exhibition of indigenous handicraft and food items and presentation of traditional dances by the local girls were the main highlights of the festival (more…)
Re, credit cost cloud export goal
Daily News & Analysis, India
Ajoy K Das & Nivedita Mookerji
KOLKATA/NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday announced the abolition of service tax on all exports, extended duty sops to special economic zones and included more farm items for incentives, extending the rural tilt first seen in the Union Budget.
It has set for itself an export target of $160 billion in this financial year, 28% more than last, banking on special economic zones to deliver the goods. (more…)
Innocent souls put to an ordeal they are not meant for
GreaterKashmir.com (press release), India
Child labour in Kashmir
ACTS OF PROHIBITION AND REGULATION CAN ONLY WORK WHEN SITUATION ON THE GROUND IS BETTER UNDERSTOOD,
In a state initiative in the recent past, the Central Government implemented the “Child Labour [Prohibition and Regulation] Act 1986â€. This piece of social legislation will certainly have some long-term and short-term multi-dimensional implications in the broader Indian society. While the focus of this Act has been on the child workers working in the domestic and hazardous sectors, its implementation was made obligatory by all sates irrespective of their political and ideological differences.
Though this Act seems to be ‘revolutionary’ and ‘highly desirable’, it will be wise to put some points of criticism. First, this Act and other State laws do not advocate a complete ban on all forms of child labour even the definitional debates reveal some limitations of the Act. Second, it took the government 20 long years to realize that working in the domestic and hospitality sectors is hazardous to children. (more…)
‘Handicrafts are a neglected lot’
Financial Express, India
Despite an appreciation of the rupee, handicraft exports grew 16.11% during April-March 2007 to $3.8 billion. However, this is just 1.6% of the $235-billion world market.
The sector, which provides direct employment to over 6 million people, needs to be nurtured to realise its full potential. The sector provides for highest capital employment ratio and there is no dearth of demands for Indian handicrafts. However, the sector needs to be competitive regarding prices and consistent in quality. (more…)
Showcase of art and craft
Malaysia Star, Malaysia
By HELEN ONG
SINCE it started in the middle of last year, the Little Penang Street Market in Upper Penang Road has grown.
Mooted by heritage specialist Khoo Salma Nasution, the market was intended to showcase Penang’s art and craft and to encourage new or existing creative entrepreneurs.
Non-profit organisations are also using the market as an opportunity to help challenged or talented individuals. One such organisation is Community_Works, started by local activist Joe Sidek and friends. Their objective is to “empower the marginalised and challenged to create a positive change to their livesâ€. (more…)
Nepal’s handicraft exports decline by 5.4 pct
PeaceJournalism.com, Nepal
Nepal’s handicraft exports fell by 5.4 percent in the first eight months of the current fiscal year, triggered by a sharp decline in exports of pashmina products, metal craft and handmade paper products, a local handicraft association said on Sunday.
The Federation of Handicraft Association Nepal (FHAN) stated in its report that the country exported 1.81 billion Nepali rupees ( 25.85 million U.S. dollars) worth of handicraft goods in the first eight months of 2006/07 ending in mid-July, as against 1.91 billion rupees (27.28 million dollars) of the similar period last fiscal year. (more…)