The Shilp Samagam-2023, a flagship event aimed at supporting and empowering marginalized communities across India, was inaugurated on October 7, 2023 by Dr. Virendra Kumar, the Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment. The event, held at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow, witnessed the presence of Awanish Kumar Awasthi, Chief Advisor to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
During the inaugural ceremony, Union Minister Virendra Kumar made a significant announcement, revealing that a substantial sum of Rs 17,225 crore had been disbursed to aid over 54 lakh individuals belonging to marginalized groups across the nation. This funding is intended to catalyze their educational, economic, and social development, along with the rehabilitation of the target groups.
The Shilp Samagam Mela-2023 is a collaborative effort of the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC), and the National Safai Karmi Development Corporation (NSKFDC), all operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This significant event spans from October 7th to October 15th, 2023.
In his address, Minister Virendra Kumar stated, “Funds amounting to Rs 17,225 crore, benefiting more than 54 lakh individuals from different parts of the country have been disbursed to provide support and empower marginalized sections through various programmes focused on educational, economic, and social development, as well as the rehabilitation of its target groups.”
He further emphasized the ministry’s commitment to providing a robust platform for artisans and beneficiaries to showcase and sell their diverse range of products. The three corporations under the ministry, namely NSFDC, NBCFDC, and NSKFDC, have played a pivotal role by extending financial assistance at a nominal interest rate of 5% through term loan schemes, microfinance schemes, and various channel partners. This support enables beneficiaries to market and sell their products at the exhibition platform of Shilp Samagam-2023.
Shilp Samagam Mela offers a wide range of products for sale, including wooden craft, metal craft, cane and bamboo products, Madhubani paintings, ceramic products, handloom and textile items, wooden utensils, jewelry, leather goods, jute products, carpets, and dairy products. Additionally, visitors can explore wooden craft products, phulkari products, water hyacinth products, pickles, organic honey, Aari embroidery work, jackets, Rajasthani juttis, beadwork, and more.
The inaugural fair commenced in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior and is scheduled to be organized in Amritsar, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Nagpur, and Patna in the near future, providing a broader platform for artisans and beneficiaries to showcase their talent and products.
In addition to the shopping extravaganza, visitors can savor delightful dishes representing various regions of India at the event. Vibrant cultural performances scheduled each evening are expected to be a captivating attraction, showcasing the rich diversity of India’s cultural heritage.
The Shilp Samagam Mela-2023 not only offers an opportunity for economic empowerment but also serves as a celebration of India’s rich cultural and artisanal heritage, promoting inclusivity and sustainable development. The funds disbursed by the ministry are a significant step towards uplifting marginalized communities and fostering their socio-economic growth.
“It is important to inform you that our United Impacts- UI Newz (Powered by United Impacts Group)Team held a meeting with Dr. Virendra Kumar, the Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, to deliberate on the forthcoming event and guarantee thorough on-site coverage.”
-Co-Founder, United Impacts Group
