Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar, on Tuesday inaugurated a new digital platform 'Tulip' aimed at improving market access for artisans from marginalised communities, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), safai karmacharis, persons with disabilities, and minority groups. The platform was launched under the guidance of the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, at the 15-days Shilp Samagam Mela at Dilli Haat beginning Tuesday.
It offers visitors a vibrant display of traditional handicrafts, skill demonstrations and an opportunity to support artisan communities directly.
Speaking at the launch of Tulip, the Union minister emphasised the government's commitment to fostering financial independence among India's traditional craft workers. It seeks to connect India's skilled artisans with both domestic and global markets, promoting financial independence and empowering traditional craft workers. "Our aim is to bring people from the marginalised communities, including SCs and safai karamcharis, into the mainstream. We are working towards their empowerment, making them aatmanirbhar (self-reliant)," he said, adding the ministry's effort is to provide a platform like this to accelerate their progress.
Kumar highlighted the inclusive intent behind Tulip, describing it as "a step in line with 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas, Sabka Vishwas', an inclusive development model. Kumar also announced plans to expand the initiative further, aiming to identify artisans in "every corner" of the country and link them to the digital marketplace. Artisans interested in joining Tulip can register through the platform for more comprehensive access to new markets, while additional support is available through NBCFDC's helpline, he said.
Tulip is designed to address key challenges faced by artisans, particularly the involvement of intermediaries, by facilitating direct sales and ensuring fair compensation for their work, a senior official said.
