CCEA clears scheme for handicrafts
The Statesman, India
Statesman News Service
NEW DELHI, Dec. 13: The government today cleared a proposal by the textiles ministry for implementation of ‘marketing support and services scheme’ for handicraft sector and its artisans.
The scheme will have a budgetary provision of Rs 316.81 crore, which would also meet outstanding and committed liabilities under the old scheme of marketing support and services, the finance minister, Mr P Chidambaram, said at the end of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh.
The scheme would comprise of domestic marketing, international marketing and publicity during the 11th Plan period (2007-2012).
The scheme would enable handicraft artisans to get enhanced opportunities for access to domestic as well as international high end markets and various marketing channels, the finance minister added.
This will help artisan to achieve full time employment and get better returns on their products, besides creating new opportunities for productive employment in rural areas.
In another decision, the CCEA gave its approval for establishment of an integrated network of trauma centres along the Golden Quadrilateral, the North-South and East-West corridors of the National Highways. This would be done by upgrading the trauma care facilities in 140 identified state government hospitals at a total cost of Rs 732.75 crore during the 11th Five Year Plan period, Mr Chidambaram informed.
Setting up of the integrated network of trauma centres would ensure that any accident victim on these corridors got competent medical assistance within the shortest possible time, thereby saving precious lives.
The CCEA also gave its approval to a proposal by the shipping ministry for development of harbour wall berths by the Mumbai Port Trust at an estimated cost of Rs 353 crore, raised through its internal resources.