In its bid for a bigger thrust on manufacturing and exports of the crafts of artisans globally, Chhattisgarh has established is first ‘Ceramic Glazing Unit’ at Garhfuljhar village in Mahasamund district.
The unit worth Rs85 lakh will provide training to potters and Terracotta artists to enhance the quality of their products.Chief Minister Raman Singh inaugurated the Ceramic Glazing Unit in Mahasamund district on Tuesday.Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister announced that similar units will be established at seven more places of the State including Raipur. The unit will help the traditional potters and artists preparing earthen articles to improve their skills and quality of products.
The Chief Minister announced to provide Rs10 lakh for the construction of hostel for the trainees and Rs10 lakh for construction of concrete road between Garhfuljhar village and Ramchandi temple in the district.Addressing people on the occasion, Singh had stated that the Government is trying to provide modern technology for betterment of the professionals and artists earning their living through traditional works.
Skill enhancement training will be provided to potters, carpenters, masons and other traditional workers. The State Government is developing a network of training centers across the State for the purpose, he said. “We intend to provide ample opportunity for every citizen of the State to become an expert in his profession of his choice and for better employment avenues,” said Singh.
Singh said that Chhattisgarh is the first State which has provided right to youths to get training for skill development. Arrangements are being made for conducting short term training programmes in all 27 districts besides hostel facility for the trainees.livelihood colleges are being opened in every district. He hoped that the ceramic glazing unit will help the potters and terracotta artists in enhancing their skills and quality of products and thereby increase their income, he added.
Singh also inaugurated the ceramic glazing unit training center and distributed electricity operated potters’ wheels among 100 potters on the occasion. He interacted with families of the potters and observed the articles prepared by them.
He also dedicated, laid foundation and performed ‘bhumipujan’ of various construction works worth Rs20 lakh in different villages of Basna development block. He distributed cheques to 408 beneficiaries of various government schemes and also observed the exhibition organised by the village industry department.
It may be recalled that on June 5 this year, Chief Minister Raman Singh had allotted five acres land for establishing a glazing unit in Mahasamund district.A delegation of potters had met the Chief Minister at his Jandarshan programme at his residence in Raipur and had expressed their gratitude for allotting land and Rs1 crore provided by Chhattisgarh Handicrafts Development Board under Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF).
They requested him to transfer the Glazing unit in Garhphuljhar village near Basna to the Matikala Board (Clay Sculpture Board) so that they can produce ceramic pots as well as fancy ceramic items.The Chief Minister had assured them to consider their demand and had forwarded their application to the Chhattisgarh Handicrafts Development Board for disposal.