New Delhi, Dec 9 : Union Textiles Minister Dayanadhi Maran inaugurated the Master Creation Programme as a part of "Handicrafts week" at a function organized at Dilli Haat here today.

Maran, after visiting the various stalls set up by master craft persons at the exhibition, distributed insurance claims to beneficiaries of the Rajiv Gandhi Shilpi Swasthya Bima Yojana.

He appreciated the Master Creation of around 200 Shilp Gurus, National Awardees and National Merit Certificate Holders spanning handicraft and handloom sectors. He also informed that Textiles Ministry is implementing six schemes for the holistic growth and development of the handicraft sector.

"The Government had adopted cluster based developmental approach where infrastructural support, design inputs and market linkages are provided to the artisans to enable them to produce contemporary and marketable products," he said.

He suggested exploring the possibility to organize an exclusive exhibition of cluster products developed around 400 cluster projects being implemented across the country under the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hasthashilip Vikas Yojana.

Handicrafts Week is celebrated every year from December 8-15. The activities this year have been planned by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, in such a manner that there is a comprehensive geographical coverage as well as complete coverage in terms of stakeholders. (ANI)