President Murmu confers handicrafts awards, highlights sector’s role in driving rural livelihood

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday presented the National Handicrafts Awards for 2023 and 2024 in New Delhi, noting that India’s craft traditions had continued because artisans adapted their skills over generations, while maintaining their core practices.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President said handicrafts reflected the country’s cultural continuity and connected people with their past and present. Murmu said handicrafts are an important source of employment, with more than 3.2 million people working in the sector, mostly in rural and remote areas.

She said the sector supports inclusive development by enabling decentralised income generation and also contributes to social empowerment, as the sector has historically supported many marginalised communities.

The President said the handicraft sector’s dependence on natural and local materials makes it relevant in discussions around sustainable production. She said the sector can contribute to global efforts for low-impact and resource-efficient practices.

Murmu noted that the growing number of Geographical Indication (GI) tags had strengthened the identity of Indian handicraft products in domestic and international markets. She urged stakeholders to seek GI certification for local craft traditions to improve recognition and market value. She also said the government’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative was helping regional crafts gain wider visibility.

The awards recognised artisans for their contribution to sustaining and promoting handicraft traditions across the country.