Matikala festival is a confluence of tradition and innovation: Rakesh Sachan

Lucknow, October 10 (IANS). State micro, small and medium businesses, khadi, handloma and textile minister Rakesh Sachan inaugurated the Matikala Mahotsav 2025 in Khadi Bhawan on Friday. On this occasion, the new Matikala Portal and the e-verification mobile app developed by the Matikala sign was also launched. In addition, free electric wheel was distributed to 10 artisans, Pug Mill machine to 2 artisans and checks for loans approved from banks were distributed to 2 beneficiaries. In this 10-day festival, which began with the pleasant opportunity of Diwali, 50 free stores of artisans from different districts were erected, in which traditional and modern clay art products became the center of attraction. Minister Rakesh Sachan said that the practice of sculptures, toys, tools, etc. Household and artistic items that use clay have been common for centuries. Even today, a sufficient number of clay ambigemen are doing this traditional industry in the state. Matikala Council was established on July 19, 2018 to promote the goods manufactured under Matikala and to connect more and more artisans with employment, while the traditional industries are preserved and promoted by innovation. Since its inception, 48.048 artisans have been identified and 37.190 artisans have been awarded leases for land extraction. So far, 15,932 electric powered crayons and 375 pugmill machines have been distributed through the board. The target is to distribute this financial year 2500 chalk and 300 pugmills. In addition, 603 pairs of pop -mate, 31 painting machines and 81 lamp machines were given to the artisans. He said that under the Chief Minister of Matikala Rojgar Yojana, 1,114 beneficiaries and industrial units have been sanctioned for the past six years. This year is a target to set up 300 new units. At the same time, 6 ordinary facility centers (CFCs) have been established in the state, while 3 new CFCs are established in Amethi, Bareilly and Bijnor. Under the training scheme, 16.307 beneficiaries offered technical training, 1.114 in business operations and 6.786 in craftsmanship. –Is Wickety/SK