IN NEWS: President Confers National Handicrafts Awards Highlighting Cultural Heritage and Livelihood Significance
Introduction
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, conferred the National Handicrafts Awards for 2023 and 2024 in New Delhi. These awards recognise exceptional artisanship and reaffirm the government’s commitment towards preserving India’s traditional crafts and promoting rural livelihoods.
ANALYSIS
Significance of National Handicrafts Awards
The awards serve as a prestigious national recognition for artisans, encouraging:
- Preservation of traditional crafts
- Transmission of skills across generations
- Promotion of India’s cultural identity globally
They highlight handicrafts not only as cultural symbols but also as economic assets.
Economic and Social Importance of Handicrafts Sector
The handicrafts sector plays a crucial role in India’s economy:
- Provides employment to over 32 lakh people
- Majority workforce located in rural areas
- Around 68% workforce comprises women
👉 This indicates:
- Strong linkage with rural development
- Significant contribution to women empowerment
Policy Support and Government Initiatives
The government has taken multiple measures to boost the sector:
- GST reduction from 18% to 5% → Improves affordability and competitiveness
- Export target set at ₹1 lakh crore by 2031–32
- Focus on taking handicrafts from “village to global market”
👉 Reflects integration of handicrafts into Make in India and export promotion strategy.
Award Distribution (2023–2024)
- Total Awards:
- 12 Shilp Guru Awards
- 36 National Awards
- Notable Awardees:
- 2023:
- Ajit Kumar Das (West Bengal) – Hand-painted textiles
- D Sivamma (Andhra Pradesh) – Leather puppetry
- 2024:
- Subhash Arora (Haryana) – Metal craft
- Mohammad Dilshad (Uttar Pradesh) – Wood carving
- Representation across:
- Multiple states
- Diverse craft traditions
👉 Ensures regional inclusivity and cultural diversity recognition.
Women Empowerment Dimension
- 20 women artisans awarded
- Women constitute majority workforce (68%)
👉 Handicrafts sector acts as:
- A tool for financial independence
- A driver of inclusive growth
Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power
Handicrafts strengthen India’s:
- Soft power globally
- Cultural diplomacy
- Tourism and heritage economy
👉 Awards enhance visibility of India’s intangible cultural heritage.
Static Part (As per Input)
- Institution: National Handicrafts Awards
- Administering Ministry: Ministry of Textiles (implied from context of Union Textiles Minister)
- Purpose:
- Recognise excellence in handicrafts
- Promote traditional artisans and crafts
- Categories:
- Shilp Guru Award (highest recognition for master artisans)
- National Handicrafts Award
- Sector Facts:
- Employment: 32 lakh people
- Women participation: 68%
Updated – 09 December 2025 ; 04:12 PM | News Source –News On Air