Study Visit brings focus on artisan welfare, scheme implementation, market development and the future of Rajasthan’s traditional crafts
Jaipur, 22nd September 2026: The Standing Committee on Finance (2025–26), under the Chairpersonship of Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, undertook discussions on the subject “Social Security for Informal Sector with special reference to the State of Rajasthan/Northern Region”, with particular focus on the development and welfare of the handloom and handicrafts sectors.
The official composition of the Standing Committee on Finance (2025–26) lists Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab as Chairperson, with Members drawn from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
During the interaction, representatives of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) and Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) presented the initiatives undertaken for the development of the respective sectors, including measures relating to artisan welfare, skill development, infrastructure, technology, marketing and livelihood generation.
The presentation of the handicrafts sector covered the major interventions being implemented under the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) and related development initiatives. The sector’s importance was highlighted not only from the perspective of employment and income generation but also for preserving India’s traditional knowledge, cultural heritage and craft traditions.
The Committee Members raised a number of queries during the discussions concerning the implementation of schemes, financial assistance, artisan welfare, development of clusters, marketing opportunities and the effectiveness of interventions at the grassroots level. The queries and observations of the Members were duly noted and addressed during the interaction. It has emerged from the sources that particular attention was given to social-security support for eligible senior artisans, insurance coverage and awareness of schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY). The sources further indicate that discussions focused on the need to identify and revive endangered and declining traditional crafts through documentation of traditional knowledge, transmission of skills to younger generations, design development, technology support, product diversification, market creation and sustained institutional support.
Rajasthan’s rich craft traditions, including its GI-recognised crafts, underline the importance of strengthening market linkages, digital platforms, exhibitions, tourism-linked opportunities and Producer Companies. Collective enterprise can help artisans improve branding, product development and access to wider markets.
The discussions reaffirmed that preserving a craft means preserving the artisan who practises it. Sustainable markets, social security, skill preservation and institutional support can ensure that India’s traditional craftsmanship remains a living, dignified and viable livelihood for future generations.
Representing the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ms. Seema Mishra, Director (Handicrafts) responded to and clarified various points raised during the discussions. She was supported by the team led by Shri Virendra Kumar, Regional Director (Handicrafts), along with senior officers including Shri Rajat Verma, Shri Rabiveer Chowdhuri, Shri Mahindar Singh Meena, Shri Surjya Deori and other officers.
Rajasthan’s Rich Craft Heritage
Rajasthan occupies an important position in India’s handicrafts landscape, with a diverse range of traditional crafts practised across its districts. The State’s craft heritage encompasses pottery, textiles, printing, embroidery, metalwork, leatherwork, painting and other specialised forms of craftsmanship.
Several Rajasthan crafts have received Geographical Indication recognition, including Blue Pottery of Jaipur, Molela Clay Work, Kathputlis of Rajasthan, Sanganeri Hand Block Printing, Bagru Hand Block Print, Thewa Art Work, Pokaran Pottery, Nathdwara Pichhwai Painting, Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft, Bikaner Kashidakari Craft, Jodhpur Bandhej Craft, Bikaner Usta Kala Craft, Mojari Craft of Jodhpur and Ravan Hattha. These crafts represent distinctive regional traditions and provide an important foundation for artisan-led economic activity.
The development initiatives presented before the Committee included marketing support and services, skill development, direct benefits to artisans, infrastructure and technology support, research and development, cluster development and support for Producer Companies. The NHDP framework specifically provides interventions covering these areas.
Strengthening Artisans Through Market and Enterprise Support
The discussions also brought attention to the importance of moving beyond traditional production and creating stronger market linkages for artisans. Marketing interventions under the handicrafts development framework include domestic and international marketing events, buyer-seller meets, exhibitions, virtual platforms and publicity and brand promotion through print, electronic and social media.
The formation and strengthening of Producer Companies was another important area of intervention. Such organisations are intended to help bring artisans into organised business structures and provide a platform for professional management, collective participation, production, marketing and enterprise development.
Social Security at the Heart of Artisan Development
The discussions were held against the broader backdrop of social security for workers in the informal sector. For handicraft artisans, welfare-oriented interventions include health and life insurance, credit facilities, identity cards and databases, awareness programmes, pension support in eligible cases and recognition through handicraft awards.
The interaction therefore provided an opportunity to examine the handicrafts sector not merely as a traditional economic activity, but as an important source of livelihood, social security, cultural preservation and rural economic development.
A Collective Focus on the Future
The Study Visit provided a platform for interaction between Parliamentary representatives and implementing agencies on the challenges and opportunities confronting the informal artisan economy. Particular attention was given to strengthening implementation, improving market access, promoting skill and technology upgradation, supporting artisan enterprises and ensuring that development programmes reach their intended beneficiaries.
The Rajasthan experience also demonstrates the importance of connecting traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, technology, branding, digital marketing and organised enterprise. Such an approach can help traditional crafts remain relevant to changing markets while retaining their cultural identity.
The discussions ultimately underscored the need for a coordinated approach involving government institutions, field offices, artisans, designers, technical experts, Producer Companies and market institutions. For Rajasthan’s extensive artisan community, continued attention to livelihood security, skill enhancement, market access and preservation of traditional craftsmanship remains central to sustaining the State’s rich handicraft heritage for future generations.
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