The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) has elected lekhraj Maheshwari as new chairman and Abdul Azim as vice chairman in its 136th meeting of Committee of Administration (COA).
Maheshwari representing Rajasthan Handloom & Handicraft Industries, is a leading exporter of handloom and handicrafts from Rajasthan. He has been associated with the Handicrafts sector for more than four decades. He has served in various capacities as member of the Committee of Administration, President — Trade Fairs and Vice-Chairman-EPCH. Maheshwari is also director of India Exposition Mart ltd, Greater Noida.
He is engaged since his early age in social services uplifting the poor population of the desert area of Barmer by providing them necessary guidance and assistance for their livelihood through various developmental organisations on state/national level. He has also served as a member of All India Handicrafts Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
Abdul Azim, Member COA representing Javaidbhai Pvt ltd, Moradabad has been elected as vice chairman of the Council. Azim is also president of Moradabad Handicrafts Exporters Association.The exports of Handicrafts have shown an increase from `12,975.25 crores (2011-12) to `17,970.12 crores during the year 2012-13 showing an increase of 38.50 per cent over previous year. The handicrafts export has surpassed the target of US $ 3300 million and has achieved of US $3306 million during the year 2012-13 — a growth of 22.15 per cent.