Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav is likely to inaugurate Awadh Shilp Gram on August 20. The project has been developed by the state government for providing financial and marketing assistance to the artisans of various handicrafts and medium, small and micro entrepreneurs. Awadh Shilp Gram project had been developed under lucknow Haat project in an area of 20 acres to ensure reasonable price to artisans for their goods and promoting the handicraft industry along with opening up of new avenues of jobs for youth.
Chief secretary Deepak Singhal inspected the Avadh shilp gram on Saturday and took stock of the progress of the project. He said the Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has been requested to inaugurate Awadh Shilp Gram on August 20. He said that expositions and other big programmes would be organized at national and international level from time to time at Avadh shilp gram to promote goods produced by artisans and small scale entrepreneurs could get ample opportunities to showcase and promote their products.
There are air-conditioned and non-AC shops in Awadh Shilp Gram, numbering 209 along with provision of separate men and women dormitories for lodging of visiting artisans. Chief Secretary said that food-court; craft court and exhibition hall along with dormitory had been constructed in Awadh Shilp Gram. He directed to put up sign-boards for the convenience of entrepreneurs coming from outside. He also directed for plantation in the campus of Avadh shilp gram for clean and green environment. He also directed that other facilities including public toilets, drinking water and parking space should also be provided in the campus.
He said that a single point centre for exhibition and sale of all kinds of handicrafts would facilitate the interested domestic and foreign tourists. He informed that performance of different folk arts would be organised in the theatre for tourists and customers, which would help in development of folk arts also.
He said that labourers working in Awadh Shilp Gram at present should be registered within 24 hours and they should be provided free meals. He said that annual calendar of events should be prepared for creating a festive ambience in Awadh Shilp Gram. He also directed to develop a cultural hub for the promotion of music and handicrafts of the State. He said that sports areas should be developed for children to set up international level sports equipment and to make the place more attractive.
Chief Secretary told that craft of artisans would be publicised widely through modern technology equipped Awadh Shilp Gram. Around 300 artisans and 500 weavers have been invited to the inauguration ceremony of Awadh Shilp Gram.