India : 2 WB villages to be labelled major handicraft hubs
August 20, 2007
Fibre2fashion.com, India
Manabendra Mukherjee, the State Tourism Minister, while inaugurating the Bengal Handicrafts Museum at Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) said that Samudragarh and Panchmura, two villages in West Bengal, would be recognized as core sectors of fine art and craft by the Union Ministry.
Around 5.5 lakh talented craftsmen from West Bengal are unable to present their skills to the world. The Government has, therefore, decided to set up an export base in Rajarhat New Town for handicraft and handloom. Special focus would be given to Tant saree, the specialty of the state, which in turn would increase the weavers’ earning
West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi, who was present during the occasion, said that Government needs to support rich handicrafts of West Bengal, so that it can make a mark in the international arena. Ambika Soni, Union Minister for Tourism, also supported this view.