The State government is planning to provide houses to 2,500 skilled artisans and would announce the scheme in the upcoming budget, according to Minister for Small Scale Industries, Satish Jarkiholi.

He was speaking at the presentation of State awards and golden jubilee celebrations organised by the Cauvery Arts and Crafts Emporium in the City on Thursday.

“I have received a memorandum on the challenges faced by skilled labourers. This would be resolved in a phased manner,” he said, and added that a meeting would be held after the budget sessions to address their problems.

Space for outlets
Veena Acchaiah, president, Cauvery Emporium, sought space for the emporium’s outlets at BBMP complexes and one-acre space for its office. 

"We want the Muzrai department to allow us to open outlets in temples and seek a reduction in VAT," she said.

Veena said the board had generated a revenue of Rs 55.18 crore in 2014-15 and earned a profit of Rs 5 crore.