New Delhi, Nov 6 Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Friday said the Shilp Samagam Mela has emerged as an important platform for connecting traditional artisans and entrepreneurs with consumers, creating market linkages and strengthening livelihood opportunities.
Athawale said the Centre, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to the inclusive socio-economic development of all sections of society, particularly those requiring adequate opportunities to earn dignified livelihoods.
The minister made the remarks during his visit to the ongoing 15-day Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 at Dilli Haat, INA, organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
He said the mela showcases a diverse range of handicrafts, handloom products, traditional textiles, festive decorations, lamps, home decor items and other indigenous products through more than 130 stalls.
The ministry has been organising Shilp Samagam melas since 2022, and more than 1,000 artisans from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Safai Karamchari communities have benefited from opportunities to exhibit and market their products through these fairs, Athawale said.
He said the event brings together traditional craftsmanship, handloom products, live craft demonstrations and cultural programmes while promoting entrepreneurship, livelihood generation and inclusive participation.
The artisans are provided free stalls, travel expenses, daily allowances and transportation facilities for their goods, he added.
The artisans are supported by the ministry’s apex corporations, including the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) and National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC).
The mela has recorded cumulative sales of approximately Rs 37.90 lakh between November 1 and 5 through the four participating corporations, according to the ministry statement.
The ministry said the sales reflect the positive market response to the products showcased at the mela and growing market opportunities for participating artisans.
Organised around the theme “Prakash Aur Parampara — Jyoti Se Jyoti Jalayen”, the mela features seven thematic zones showcasing India’s artistic, cultural and culinary diversity.
Cultural programmes featuring folk dances, traditional music and regional art forms by artists and troupes from different states are also being organised every evening.
Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya was also present during Athawale’s visit.
The mela will continue at Dilli Haat, INA, until November 15.
(PTI News)
