Central Secretary Shri Sudhanshu Pant visited the Shilp Samagam fair in Guwahati; he inspected the artisans' stalls and the ministry's pavilion.

Last week, Central Secretary Shri Sudhansh Pant participated in the Handicrafts Confluence Fair held in Guwahati, conducting a detailed inspection of the artisans' stalls and the Ministry of Handicrafts pavilion. The event aimed to promote the traditional crafts of North‑Eastern India, provide market access to small and medium‑scale artisan enterprises, and facilitate dialogue with national and international buyers. Secretary Pant praised the variety of textiles, bamboo, metal, and wood handicrafts displayed at the fair, stating that such a platform not only brings economic benefits to artisans but also safeguards their cultural heritage. He also commended the new digital platform set up in the Ministry’s pavilion, which offers artisans easy access to online sales, training, and financial assistance.

The Handicrafts Confluence Fair has attracted greater international participation compared with previous years; several foreign boutiques and exhibitors have expressed interest in Indian crafts. In this context, Secretary Pant outlined the Ministry’s upcoming plans, which include establishing craft‑skill training centers in rural areas, expanding financial subsidies, and implementing special policies to promote exports. He added that the government is coordinating with various ministries to strengthen artisans’ social security, health insurance, and pension schemes. Consequently, the fair not only showcased artisans’ products on a national stage but also informed policymakers of their real‑world challenges, enabling the formulation of a more effective support framework for the future.