Date:23/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/23/stories/2008012359650800.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Centre keen to push handicraft exports

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: The Centre will help States create a marketing platform in the form of exclusive shopping malls to showcase handicrafts, by extending financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 10 crore or 25 per cent of the project cost proposed.

At a press conference here on Tuesday, Sanjay Agarwal, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Union Ministry of Textiles, said the Centre was keen on boosting handicrafts, particularly exports. Also the Centre would help States in setting up resource centres and banks for designs and raw material, he said. The sector witnessed a 20 per cent growth year-on-year and was poised for more, he said.