CB BureauThe energy major is supporting 15 projects focused on the country’s indigenous handicrafts, in line with the government’s observance of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. Observing India’s 75th year of independence, PSUs under the petroleum ministry have undertaken 75 projects to commemorate each year of Independence.
The third project by ONGC – an Assam Handloom project called Ujjwal Abahan – was recently launched by Rameswar Teli, Minister of State (MoS), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Labor & Employment. The project will support and train over a hundred artisans of Bhatiapar of Sivasagar in Hathkharga handicraft.
As stated by the minister during the launch, the Assam Handloom project is worth over Rs 26 lakh. He expressed confidence that it would not only benefit local weavers, but also boost the rural economy. He also emphasised that technological development would be key to increasing productivity through such projects.
Petroleum Secretary Tarun Kapoor noted that the skill-based training included in the projects was a major leap towards empowering people from disadvantaged communities. ONGC’s director (HR) Alka Mittal assured about the company’s continued support to such projects to make artisans self-reliant. Crafts contribute around Rs 13,000 crore to the economy of the nation every year, she added.