Conserve traditional craft: ZP chief

Zilla Panchayath President Savitha Kotian said there is a need to conserve the age-old craft culture and traditional occupations, which is under threat owing to the modern technological revolution.

Speaking after distributing the free equipment to the artisans and inaugurating the workshop on entrepreneurship awareness programme, she said as many as Rs 5,000 is earmarked for each craftsman as against the earlier amount of Rs 3000 for the equipment that is offered to support them. Transparency is maintained in order to justify the selection. She called upon the artisans to unitize the opportunities offered by the government to support them.

The artisans should improve their lifestyle by working on their economic status, which in turn would help them to sustain their traditional occupation.

These artisans should swim against the tide in the midst of heavy rivalry. The modern artifacts have been replacing the old crafts in the households, she lamented.

Agricultural & Industrial Standing Committee Chairman Arun Shetty Padur said migration of artisans to other areas is because of financial problems.

The government is encouraging craftsman and has taken measures to offer quality equipment to the artisans. The government support would assist artisans to establish themselves in particular areas, rather than going in search of livelihood.

He added the artisans should also be committed in terms of their service to the society by offering quality products. This would enable them to market their products effectively.

A total of 180 beneficiaries, of which as many as 81 beneficiaries from Udupi taluk, 37 from Karkala and 62 beneficiaries from Kundapur taluk  were offered the equipment worth Rs 9 lakh.