Naveen approves Handicrafts Policy 2019

Bhubaneswar: In a bid to boost the handicrafts sector, the State Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Tuesday approved Odisha Handicrafts Policy, 2019.
The policy has been launched to empower artisans and make them lead partners in development, creation of necessary physical and human capital, revival of languishing crafts and preservation of craft heritage of the State, said Chief Secretary AP Padhi here.
The policy also aims at development of Centre of Excellence at State Institute of Development Crafts (SIDAC)
Under this policy, the State government has also decided to extend margin money assistance for availing bank loans and to undertake a survey of handicraft artisans.
The government also planned to collaborate with institutes like National Institute of Design (NID) and National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) to infuse innovation in product design, quality, productivity and cost effectiveness.
Similarly, the policy would also promote development of infrastructure including establishment of craft villages, craft schools and handicraft parks.
Besides, fiscal incentives, as provided under Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR-2015) and MSME Development Policy-2016, would be provided to the handicraft sector.
The Cabinet also approved the proposal to accord university status to city-based institute, Asian School and Business Management (ASBM). A separate legislation will be brought in the Assembly in this regard, Padhi said.
The proposal to allot land in favour of various private organizations, which will set up affordable hospitals on public private partnership (PPP) mode has been approved by the panel. The land will be given on lease for a period of 32 years including two years for construction, he said. Such hospitals will be set up in rural areas in 25 districts.
The government has also approved the Odisha Children’s and Women’s Welfare Services (Amendment) Rules-2018 and framing of Odisha Secretariat Data Entry Operators (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Services) Amendment Rules-2019. The government has created new posts such as assistant data processing officer and data processing officer in lieu of abolition of 32 vacant posts of senior data entry operator.