New Delhi: In a bid to promote artisans and handicrafts in the city and to establish skill development centres, Delhi govt recently held a stakeholder consultation to gather ideas and assess market needs for skilling.The meeting, held by the Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board (DKVIB), included retired officials from the Centre and Delhi, as well as experts from the field. From cow dung paint manufacturing to artificial jewellery making, experts suggested skill enhancement training in various fields.According to officials, some of the major suggestions received by the board included skill enhancement training in the soap-making industry and essential oil making, cow dung paint manufacturing, artificial jewellery making, besides chocolate and candy-making industry. The experts also suggested that DKVIB should encourage the e-cycle manufacturing industry. One of the experts explained the use of resources in a very optimal manner, such as making batteries and cycles, and then converting traditional cycles to e-cycles, while also suggesting skills such as handling call centres in different languages.A former central govt official suggested that the board should take statutory powers from the Delhi govt to give certification on various trades so that more people approach it. He said it may also raise funds by charging for certification. He also urged setting up a call centre for assistance towards training in Delhi.Two artisans, sharing their experiences, told officials how they are unaware of the govt schemes, especially those offering financial assistance.DKVIB managing director K Mahesh said the purpose of the meeting was to have an interdisciplinary approach and multi-stakeholder approach to the issues in the board. On this initiative, Delhi industries minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa mentioned that PM Narendra Modi was keen to promote khadi and village industries products by small entrepreneurs and artisans.
