Raipur. Extraordinary collection of handicraft items made by famous craftsmen of Chhattisgarh will be showcased in Rajyotsava event this year, officials stated. On the 14th anniversary of State Foundation Day, the State Government is holding the Rajyotsav event at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Capitol Complex in Naya Raipur from November 1 to 3. At the ‘Shilpgram’ corner of Rural Industry Department at Rajyotsav venue, excellent artifacts of bell metal, wrought iron, terracotta, shell craft, bamboo art of Jagdalpur, Parchalpal, Narayanpur and Dantewada, Godna, bamboo and wooden art of Surguja and Jashpur and dry flower/stone craft of Bilaspur will be put on display for sale.
Nearly 13, 217 craftsmen of the State have been benefitted in previous five years under various schemes operated by Chhattisgarh Handicraft Development Board. The board has provided handicraft training, advanced equipments, workshop subsidy, marketing set-up and other facilities to the youngsters in rural areas to make them self-employed. Board officials informed on Wednesday that in last five years, 4,764 beneficiaries have availed handicraft training, 1,228 beneficiaries have received advanced equipments, 380 beneficiaries and six cooperative societies have been provided workshop subsidy. In addition, 6,809 craftsmen have been benefited under the ‘Craftsmen Health Insurance Scheme’ and 10 National Award winner craftsmen have been provided financial assistance.