Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Government of India

Since 1998, CCDS has been implementing handicraft development, skill enhancement, and marketing promotion programmes in collaboration with the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Government of India. The programme focuses on strengthening the livelihoods of traditional artisans by providing them with skill development, market access, product promotion, and enterprise support.

As part of the marketing initiative, CCDS has been organizing Gandhi Shilp Bazar and Craft Bazar exhibitions, providing artisans with a platform to showcase and directly sell their handcrafted products. These exhibitions generally feature around 100 stalls, which are provided free of cost to participating artisans, enabling skilled craftspeople from different parts of India to participate without the burden of stall charges.

The exhibitions are organized for approximately 10 days and attract a significant number of visitors. Artisans get an opportunity to display, promote, and sell their products directly to customers, thereby increasing their market exposure, sales, and income. The exhibitions also help consumers discover a wide variety of traditional and contemporary handicrafts produced by artisans from across the country.

Under the craft development component, CCDS has also conducted 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month skill development training programmes across different districts of Jharkhand. Training has been provided in various traditional and diversified crafts, including Rugs & Durries, Dokra Craft, Jute Craft, Bamboo Craft, Lac Bangle Making, Tribal Jewellery, and other handicraft activities.

The training programmes focus on practical skill development, product quality improvement, design development, and livelihood generation. After successful completion of training, toolkits are provided to eligible and deserving beneficiaries through the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Government of India, enabling trained artisans to continue their craft activities and establish or strengthen their own livelihood-based enterprises.

Through the combined approach of skill development, toolkit support, marketing platforms, exhibitions, and direct market access, the programme contributes towards the preservation of traditional crafts, promotion of Indian handicrafts, empowerment of artisans, and sustainable income generation.