27-Jun-2020: Governing Council Meeting of National Productivity Council held
The 49th Governing Council Meeting of National Productivity Council (NPC), an autonomous body under Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India was held today through video conferencing. It was chaired by Shri Piyush Goyal, Commerce & Industry Minister and President of NPC Governing Council. Shri Arun Kumar Jha, Director General, NPC welcomed the Minister, Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra, Secretary, DPIIT and thanked them for taking keen interest towards organizing the GC Meeting after a lapse of fifteen years. The Meeting was attended by about 180 participants, comprising of Government Officers, Leaders of Industry Associations, Industry captains, Trade Union leaders, financial institutions, Productivity Councils of States, Subject experts, Academicians, and other eminent personalities.
Shri Goyal, stressing upon the role of productivity in transformation of any organisation, said that coincidentally, today also marks Sh. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s 182nd Birth Anniversary as well as the MSME Enterprises Day. Quoting famous thinker Aristotle’s famous line “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit”, Shri Goyal suggested that adoption of technology and digital economy is going to play a vital role in not only transforming the business enterprises in the future, but also in achieving the target of $ 5 trillion economy given by the Hon'ble PM. He appreciated the role played by the worker groups in nation building. Welcoming the wide array of suggestions received from the participants to vigorously pursue enhancing the productivity in all aspects of the industry and public offices, the minister reiterated the Paul J. Meyer words “Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of commitment of excellence, intelligent planning and focused effort”.
The participants in the meeting endorsed the view that India can reposition itself only through productivity enhancement. Some of the suggestions made in the meeting were- sector formulation of specific action plans by NPC especially in agriculture and logistics sectors, identification of Champion sectors which has the potential to drive the economy, adoption of technology to increase the productivity and delivering cost-effective solutions for marginalised sector, interlinking of academia and industry for creation of a highly skilled labor force, financing of specific products to support MSMEs and increase their productivity, national audit on security impact etc. Shri Goyal suggested NPC to work closely with all the stakeholders and emphasised on adopting the best practices from around the world.
2-Jun-2020: Online review meeting of National Productivity Council held
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Sh. Piyush Goyal today took an online review meeting of National Productivity Council (NPC), an autonomous organization of DPIIT. Shri Som Parkash, Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and other Senior Officials of DPIIT were present in the meeting.
Shri Goyal acknowledged that National Productivity Council, an organization set up in 1958, has been rendering expert services in the areas of Consultancy and Capacity Building in the domains of Energy, Environment, Business process and Productivity improvement. He said that it can further leverage its strength and work more closely with Industry, SMEs and other organizations in the Government, Public as well as the Private Sector.
The Minister said that successful experience of NPC in implementing Lean Manufacturing in MSME sectors needs to be leveraged for expanding schemes to benefit more MSMEs. Similarly, the recent estimation study of plastic litter into riverine and marine eco-system needs to be expanded to other cities, with the objective of making India plastic free. It was also decided that the current scheme of “Training and certification of competent persons for Boiler Certification” needs to be reviewed with an objective of bringing in more efficiency. The CIM called for enhancing NPC’s revenue to the tune of Rs. 300 Crores by 2024 through expansion of its Advisory & Capacity Building services to public and private sectors.
In order to bring in more synergy among the offices of Commerce & Industry Ministry, it was recommended that all these offices should be co-located in the same city. The Minister further desired that NPC should try to replicate the Delhi Police Model of Automated Transfer & Posting System, developed by NPC, for other Government Organizations, including Railways. He also emphasized that NPC could render its services to Indian Railways which is largest government employer in the country.
12-Feb-2019: National Productivity Week
National Productivity Council (NPC) celebrated its 61st Foundation Day. NPC observes foundation day as Productivity Day and celebrates National Productivity Week from February 12-18, 2019.
This year’s theme is “Circular Economy for Productivity & Sustainability” which represents a unique opportunity for circular business models for Make - Use - Return. It presents an opportunity for long term economic prospects and regeneration of materials. Transitioning to an efficient circular economy will benefit industry and all stakeholders now and in future.
The role of National Productivity Council is very important in the backdrop of the mammoth target of growth to raise the Indian economy to the level of USD 5 trillion by 2025 and USD 10 trillion by 2035. Our productivity must be comparable with our competitors in global and regional market value chain so that Indian products can remain competitive.
Transforming a linear economy into circular economy is a challenging task and our challenges are going to become even more daunting in the near future as we are looking at expanding our economy, the problem of waste, problem of resources will be even more severe. We have to work closely with industry to see how we can use those principles of reducing the use of natural resources, recycling and reuse and the concept of circular economy.
A series of functions are being organised between 12th to 18th February. Panel discussions on subjects like artificial intelligence by experts are also being organized to deliberate on the challenges, benefits and outcomes from implementation of circular economy.
Apart from workshops in New Delhi, the 13 Regional Directorate of NPC at Kolkata, Chennai, Guwahati, Bhubaneshwar and Chandigarh will organise seminars and workshops in coordination with State Governments, State PSUs and Businesses. The 23 Local Productivity Councils spread across the country are also organizing workshops.
Ministries involved in production, trade, autonomous bodies, PSUs, apex institutions especially FICCI, industry associations have also been requested to observe productivity week.
The circular economy follows the principle of preservation and enhancement of natural capital by controlling finite stocks and balancing renewable resource flows. Circular economy has the potential to increase productivity and create jobs, whilst reducing carbon emissions and preserving valuable raw materials. It works by extending product life span through improved design and servicing and relocating waste from the end of the supply chain to the beginning – in effect, using resources more efficiently by using them over and over. The challenge lies in building circular economy knowledge and capacity.
9-Apr-2020: As advised by Union HRD Minister, National Testing Agency extends scope for correction in the choice of centre cities in the online application form for JEE (Main) 2020
In the wake of current COVID-19 situation and in view of the hardships faced by the aspirants of JEE (Main) 2020 Union HRD Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank advised National Testing Agency to further expand the scope of making corrections in application forms allowing students to include the choice of cities for centres. Accordingly, in continuation of PUBLIC NOTICE dated 01.04.2020 issued by the National Testing Agency regarding correction facility in the Online Application Form for JEE (Main) 2020, today NTA further expanded the scope of making corrections in the Application Forms to now also include the choice of cities for centre.
The NTA will make efforts to allot city of examination to the candidates in order of the choices now opted by them in their Application Form, subject to the availability of capacity in the desired city. However, due to administrative reasons, a different city may be allotted and the decision of the NTA regarding allotment of Centre shall be final.
It is brought to the notice of all the candidates of JEE (Main) -2020 that the facility for correction in the particulars including choice of cities for centre in the Online Application Form is operational now on the website https://jeemain.nta.nic and the same will be available upto 14/04/2020*. The candidates are advised to visit the website and verify their particulars and make necessary corrections wherever required.
Corrections in the particulars in the Online Application Forms shall be accepted upto 05.00 PM and submission of fee upto 11.50 PM
The requisite (additional) fee, if applicable, can be paid through Credit/Debit Card/ Net Banking/UPI and PAYTM.
In case, additional fee payment is required depending on the changes made in the form, the final updates will be reflected after the payment.
The candidates are requested to undertake the correction(s) very carefully as no further chance of correction will be provided.
The candidates and their parents are advised to keep visiting jeemain.nta.nic.in and www.nta.ac.in for latest updates. The candidates can also contact at 8287471852,8178359845,9650173668,9599676953,8882356803 for any further clarification.
5-Jun-2019: National Testing Agency declares result of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (UG) – 2019
The National Testing Agency has declared result of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (UG) – 2019.
The NTA conducted National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (UG) – 2019 throughout the country on 05 May, 2019 and on 20 May, 2019 for admission to MBBS/BDS Courses in India in Medical/Dental Colleges run with the approval of Medical Council of India/Dental Council of India under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India except for the institutions established through an Act of Parliament e.g. AIIMS and JIPMER Puducherry.
Category of seats to be filled through NEET (UG)-2019
- All India Quota Seats
- State Government Quota Seats
- State/Management/NRI Quota Seats in Private Medical/ Dental Colleges or any Private/ Deemed University
- Central Pool Quota Seats
The category of candidates appeared in NEET-UG, 2019
- Indian Nationals
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
- Overseas Citizen of India (OCIs)
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) &
- Foreign Nationals
An All India merit list has been prepared in percentile determined on the basis of highest marks secured in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for admission to MBBS/BDS courses as per Para V (II), Chapter II of Graduate Medical Education Regulations issued under Medical Council of India Act & Dental Council of India Act.
Information regarding 15% All India Quota Seats: The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Government of India will conduct the Counselling for 15% All India Quota Seats, Deemed Universities, Central Universities, Seats of ESIC and AFMC, BHU & AMU. Candidates may visit website www.mcc.nic.in for further information. Candidates will apply for 15% All India Quota seats as per the directions of DGHS and Counselling will be stopped once the seats are exhausted.
The details and schedule of counselling would be available on the websites of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education Directorates of States.
Information regarding State Quota Seats: For State quota and other seats falling under the ambit of States, candidates may apply to their domicile states and merit list as per State rules and based on All India Rank will be prepared by concerned Counselling Authorities. The counselling for Private Medical Colleges will also be conducted by the concerned State Counselling Authority.
Candidates are advised to be in touch with the respective Counselling Authorities and Institutions concerned for further details.
The responsibility of NTA is to conduct the examination and declare the result based on eligibility criteria provided by MCI. Candidates submitted their category as per National Category List and based on the same the result has been declared. NTA has provided All India Rank to the candidates and the admitting Authorities will draw merit list based on All India Rank for the seats of MBBS/BDS falling under their jurisdiction. When candidates apply to their State, they will mention their category as per Stare Category List. State Counselling Authorities will accordingly make their Merit List. The same is the case with the domicile. The NTA has no role in it and no change in any data will be made by the NTA.
The NEET (UG) is one of the most sensitive examinations, this year, NTA made elaborate arrangements at various levels and took help from State Authorities for smooth conduct of examination.
To make the candidates and their parents aware about the rules and regulations of the examination, candidates were sent various messages (SMS) on their registered mobile. SMS was also sent to all the candidates to download “Important Advisory for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)-UG 2019” on 3rdMay 2019.
NTA has adopted a transparent system wherein the scanned copy of OMR’s of all the candidates, their responses, Answer Key and Booklet Code was hosted on website in the candidate’s login accounts. Candidates were allowed to make challenges. Challenges received by NTA were duly addressed before preparation of result.
The Result of NEET-UG, 2019 has been declared on the basis of the qualifying criteria prescribed by the Medical Council of India and Dental Council of India and also based on the information submitted by the candidates in their online application forms.
The qualified candidates may please note that they have to further complete the formalities with the respective Counselling Authorities viz DGHS, Medical Education Directorates of States, etc. for admission to MBBS/BDS Courses.
The details and schedule of counselling would be available on the websites of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education Directorates of States as applicable. The details of Medical Education Directorate of States are given in Appendix-IV of the Information Bulletin available on NEET website. The counselling would be conducted by the respective Counselling Authorities subject to prevailing rules and norms for admission in Medical Colleges/Dental Colleges under their ambit. Candidates are advised to be in touch with the respective Counselling Authorities and Institutions concerned for further details.
4-Feb-2019: National Testing Agency launched Mobile App through which students can practice mock tests
National Testing Agency (NTA) has launched a ‘mobile app’ through which students can practice or take mock tests on their own computers or smart phones. In order to ensure that no student is disadvantaged due to lack of resources, NTA has established a network of more than 4000 Test Practice Centres (TPCs) to acquaint the aspirants, especially those from rural areas with Computer Based Tests (CBTs). Students across the country can register themselves online at NTA Website or ‘NTA Students App’ for visiting the TPCs. All these services are provided to the students free of cost. So far, more than one lakh students have registered at these TPCs and more than one crore students have benefited from these ‘App & Web’ services.
27-Jan-2019: National Testing Agency will conduct CMAT and GPAT exams
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting the Common Management Admission Test(CMAT) on 28th January, 2019(09:30a.m.-12:30p.m.) for 64,582 registered candidates at 183 centres in 84 cities of 24 States/UTs. 403 candidates are registered for the examination at 2 centres in 2 cities in North Eastern States and 1197 candidates at 14 centres in 3 cities in Jammu & Kashmir.
Gender/Category wise distribution of Candidates Registered for CMAT-2019
|
General |
OBC |
SC |
ST |
Total |
|
|
Male |
24768 |
7434 |
1846 |
537 |
34585 |
|
Female |
22736 |
5474 |
1312 |
475 |
29997 |
|
Total |
47504 |
12908 |
3158 |
1012 |
64582 |
In view of the request received from the Local Administration due to inclement weather, CMAT-2019 is also being conducted on 29.01.2019 for 187 candidates belonging to Kashmir Region at Srinagar( who were earlier allotted centres in Jammu).
The NTA is also conducting Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) on -28th January, 2019(02:30p.m-05:30p.m) for 42827 registered candidates at 128 centres in 84 cities of 24 States/UTs. 377candidates are registered for the examination at 2 centres in 2 cities in North Eastern States. 139 candidates at 2 centres in 2 cities in Jammu & Kashmir.
Gender/Category wise distribution of Candidates Registered for GPAT-2019
|
General |
OBC |
SC |
ST |
Total |
|
|
Male |
8371 |
7455 |
2448 |
597 |
18871 |
|
Female |
11360 |
9248 |
2689 |
658 |
23955 |
|
Transgender |
--- |
1 |
--- |
-- |
1 |
|
Total |
19731 |
16704 |
5137 |
1255 |
42827 |
Both the Examinations are being conducted completely on Computer Based Test (CBT) Mode .
All the preparations for the exam have been completed:
- A Control Room has been opened at NTA HQ and 24 State Coordinators, 99 City Coordinators and 265 Observers have been position
- A third party audit of the examination centres has been completed.
- Live CCTV- as done for UGC-NET December 2018 Examination and JEE(Main) Jan2019 Examination, CCTV Surveillance is being done in the examination centres to curb malpractices in the examinations. The NTA is also making arrangements for live viewing of remote locations and recording CCTVs Systems of all examination centres at Control Room situated at the NTA HQ.
- Jammers: In order to stop cheating using mobile networks, Jammers have been installed in all the Centres. A total of about 3,580 jammers (1342 for each exam) have been put in place.
While assuring the candidates of the highest professional conduct of the exam, NTA requests cooperation of all the stakeholders for an orderly conduct of the exams.
30-Jul-2018: Government has created National Testing Agency to conduct entrance examinations for higher education in a scientific manner
The Government has created National Testing Agency (NTA) as an autonomous and self-sustained premier testing organization to conduct entrance examinations for higher education, which were being conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The objective is to have a specialized and dedicated body for conducting these high-stake entrance examinations and at the same time, relieve CBSE of this responsibility to enable it to fulfil its core mandate. The Government has mandated NTA to conduct the examination in a scientific manner involving experts. All the examinations of NTA were mandated to be conducted twice a year for the benefit of students.
Based on the request of the stakeholders, Ministries/Departments/Agencies, the UGC-NET, JEE(Main), NEET-UG, C-MAT and C-PAT examinations have been entrusted to NTA. NTA has notified the examination schedule for the year 2019 on its website https://ntaexams.co.in. NTA proposes to conduct the tests twice a year in order to give the students adequate opportunity to bring out their best as well as to remove the possibility of human error in evaluation.
The Minister also informed the house that as per rules and regulations of the NTA, the General Body, which decides policy matters, comprises of 17 members who are educationists of repute and nominees of the Government both from the Centre and the State. In addition, the General Body will have Testing experts, representative of Higher Educational Institutions, School Education Boards and officials of the NTA. The objectives of the NTA, inter-alia, are conducting efficient, transparent tests designed in a scientific manner for assessing competence of students. It will train subject matter experts and prepare test items in collaboration with psychometricians to ensure that the tests are well balanced. Data of previous tests will be analyzed and deliberated with subject matter experts for designing better question papers. NTA will be a self-sustained organization. However, in order to set up and start its operations, a provision of Rs.25 crore as one-time grant has been made, out of which a sum of Rs.10 crore has been released.
Extensive consultations have been made with the concerned Ministries/Departments of the Government of India as well as other stakeholders both from Central and State Government in a workshop held on 1-9-2017 before the proposal was approved.
While replying to a supplementary question, the Minister said that the examinations will be conducted on computer based rather than online mode. He also said that special centres will be made for students of remote areas to make them familiar with the new pattern.
While replying to a CBSE related question, he said that CBSE has informed that there have been only two instances of leakage of question papers one in 2004 in respect of AIPMT and the other in 2011 in respect of AIEEE. However, there has never been delay in declaration of results of such examinations. In order to ensure absolute transparency, CBSE displays the OMR sheets, answer key and the answers of the candidates on its website before declaration of result, which can be challenged by the candidates.
With regard to Board examinations, CBSE has further informed that leakage of Economics of Class XII and Mathematics of Class X could be confirmed. Re-examination of Economics for Class XII was held on 25th April, 2018. It was, however, decided not to hold a re-test for the Class X Mathematics keeping in view the interest of students and the fact that Class X examination is essentially a gateway for class XI and an internal segment of school education system. The matter was reported to the police, who after investigation arrested the people involved in leakage and the school concerned was disaffiliated by CBSE.
As a remedial step, CBSE has decided to send encrypted question papers to the examination centres with option of multiple sets. This was successfully implemented in the compartment examinations in July, 2018 for select subjects. Norms for centre fixation and custodian identification have been made more stringent and every centre has been assigned external observers to monitor the affairs of examination. CBSE has also adopted a three tier system to address errors in totalling and marking by teachers.
29-Mar-2020: Epch cancels 49th Edition Of IHGF-Delhi Fair Spring -2020
The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) has cancelled the 49th edition of IHGF – Delhi Fair Spring-2020in view of present status of COVID-19 in India and abroad. Director General of EPCH, Rakesh Kumar said that as the nation is in a state of lock down, it has become unviable to organize a show of such magnitude in near future.
Earlier, the fair scheduled to be held from 15 – 19 April, 2020was postponed hoping that the COVID-19 situation would improve and fair could be organized sometime in June/July.
Over 10,000 visitors, including 7000 overseas buyers and their representatives, were expected to turn up for the show which was to host over 3200 exhibitors displaying best of the Indian handicrafts from all across the country. Handicraft being cluster based activity, the exports from major craft clusters like Moradabad, Saharanpur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra, Narsapur, Firozabad, North-eastern region and many others is going to be affected with the cancellation of this fair.
The 50th edition of IHGF-Delhi Fair Autumn will be organized from 14-18 October 2020 at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida in Delhi NCR.
14-Oct-2018: Ajay Tamta inaugurates 46th edition of IHGF-Delhi Fair Autumn-2018
Union Minister of State for Textiles, Ajay Tamta, inaugurated the 46th edition of world’s largest IHGF-Delhi Fair at India Expo Centre & Mart at Greater Noida today. Speaking on the occasion, he said that this Fair has played a vital role in increasing exports of handicrafts from the country and has acquired a special importance for handicrafts sector as overseas buyers find this fair as the most effective sourcing medium for their requirements and that the Indian exporting community considers this as the most effective marketing medium for their merchandise. Participation by over 3200 exhibitors in this fair and visit of overseas buyers from over 110 countries shows its popularity amongst Indian handicrafts exporters and importers.
Ajay Tamta urged the handicrafts exporters to take care of the artisans and craftsmen who are the backbone of this sector. He further said that Government of India is not only providing assistance to these craftsmen in the form of subsidies through various schemes in minimising their expenditure on health and educational needs of their families but also on transport for bringing their products to the common facility centres. He also said that a portal of Government and handicrafts exporters is being created to provide more assistance to these artisans for healthcare and education of their children. Ajay Tamta also urged the EPCH and exporters to gear up for the Ambiente 2019 to be held in Frankfurt, Germany, in which India is a partner country.
Overseas buyers from more than 110 countries are expected to participate in IHGF-Delhi Fair and source home, lifestyle, fashion and textiles products. The Fair has the most extensive range of handcrafted products like home textiles, furnishings, carpets, decoratives, tableware, furniture, garden & outdoor, bathroom accessories, spa and wellness, lamps & lighting, Christmas & festive décor, handmade paper items, fashion Jewellery and accessories. The fair will remain open till 18th October, 2018.
12-Oct-2017: Union Textiles Minister inaugurates IHGF - Delhi Fair Autumn 2017
The Union Textiles Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani has urged the exporting fraternity to take care of the welfare of artisans who are the backbone of the sector. The Minister said that design and product development play a crucial role in value realisation and in turn in the benefit that the artisans and producers are able to reap from their products. The Minister said this after inaugurating IHGF - Delhi Fair Autumn 2017, world’s largest handicrafts and gifts fair. The fair is being held at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, during October 12 - 16, 2017.
Delivering the inaugural address, the Minister applauded the role of Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts in promoting exports of handicrafts. She noted that handicraft exports have witnessed a year-on-year growth of 13.15% in 2016-17 and has touched Rs. 24,392 crores. The Minister appreciated the launch of schemes by EPCH under their CSR programme, for education of children of artisans. The scheme provides full support to education of children of artisans through open schools. 75% of the expenditure will be borne by EPCH and 25% by member exporters. Smt. Irani added that it is the dream of the Hon’ble Prime Minister that no child in the country should be left illiterate.
The Minister appreciated the introduction of “Design Register” scheme by EPCH, which allows hassle-free registration of designs by member exporters. She said that EPCH design services will definitely help the sector in a big way and will augment the exports of handicrafts from the country, ultimately increasing employment opportunities to artisans.
The Textiles Minister expressed her satisfaction that the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to promote the North East is being effectively implemented by EPCH. EPCH has an integrated programme of development of NER handicrafts and handlooms, under which support is provided for design, marketing and skill development.
The Minister also noted that for the first time for handicrafts sector, an initiative is being taken to promote Foreign Direct Investment and opportunities for Joint Ventures for both exporters and importers. A symposium on “Investment Opportunities in Handicrafts Sector” is being organised. This initiative will give opportunities for overseas buyers to bring technical know-how, investment and marketing networks to form joint ventures for promoting Indian handicrafts in the world market.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman, EPCH, Shri O.P. Prahladka spoke of EPCH’s vision for the next five years on technology upgradation. He said EPCH has just started the “Design and Product Development Technology Mission”. Shri Prahladka also appreciated the support received from Ministry of Textiles and Ministry of Commerce for the smooth implementation of GST.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by a large number of overseas buyers. According to Executive Director, EPCH, Mr. Rakesh Kumar, about 2,980 exhibitors of home, lifestyle, fashion, textiles and furniture are participating in the IHGF Delhi Fair. Over 6,000 buyers from 110 countries are visiting the fair. Mr. Kumar said that special attractions of this fair include designers’ forum and recycled products.
14-Feb-2017: IHGF- Delhi Fair Spring 2017 to open on 16th February, 2017
IHGF- Delhi Fair Spring 2017, the 43rd edition of the world’s largest handicrafts and gifts fair, will open on 16th February, 2017 at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida Expressway in the NCR of Delhi. The Limca Book of World Records has recognized it as the world’s largest congregation of handicraft exhibitors under one roof. The fair will be held from February 16 - 20, 2017, spread over an area of 1,97,000 sq. metres, informed Executive Director, EPCH, Shri Rakesh Kumar.
More than 3,000 exhibitors including 900 permanent marts from all over the country will be showcasing a wide range of products belonging to fourteen product categories, namely houseware, home furnishing, furniture, gifts and decorative, lamps and lighting, Christmas & festive décor, fashion Jewellery & accessories, spa and wellness, carpets and rugs, bathroom accessories, garden accessories, educational toys & games, handmade paper products and stationery and leather bags.
Over 6,500 foreign buyers from more than 80 countries, buying agents based in India and domestic retail volume buyers are expected to visit the mega fair to source their requirements. The increase in the exhibition space and in the number of exhibitors and visitors indicate how important this event is for India as well as for the international buying community. It also demonstrates that it is an indispensable event for overseas buyers for sourcing home, lifestyles, fashion and textiles products, all provided under one roof.
The world’s largest show for home, lifestyle, fashion and textiles will bring comprehensive selections with a choice of over 2,000 products made out of different raw material bases such as wood, metal, cane and bamboo, textiles made of natural fibres, wool, silk, jute, coir, stone, leather, terracotta, lacquer and vegetable dyes.
One of the main highlights of the show will be a thematic display of products from North Eastern Region and Jodhpur Mega cluster. A theme pavilion on wooden handicrafts items produced from legally procured wood and certified under Vriksh – an indigenous Indian Timber Legality assessment and Verification scheme, will also be set up to showcase the best of wooden handicrafts items. Informative seminars related to production techniques, skill development, GSP scheme, trends and forecast, discussion on union budget and the forthcoming GST would also be held.
Realizing the phenomenal growth in the domestic retail market, the Council opened the doors of IHGF-Delhi Fair for domestic retail volume buyers and e-commerce companies during Autumn 2014. Since then, major retail brands and e-commerce companies such as Good Earth, Furniture Republic, Fab India, West Side, Archies Ltd, DLF Brands Ltd., @home, Shoppers Stop, Lifestyles Group, UrbanLadder.com, Pepperfry.com, Ajio.com, FabFurnish.com, Shopclues.com and others have become regular visitors to the fair. These companies have registered to visit and source their requirements at the 43rd edition of the Fair as well.
Interacting with the media, ED – EPCH, Mr. Rakesh Kumar said that since its inception in 1994, the IHGF- Delhi fair has made significant contribution to the handicrafts trade from India. It has not only enabled Indian exporters to participate in the show in large numbers and secure orders but has also enabled foreign buyers to source their requirements from India at one place, one time and under one roof. He said that one of the most important roles played by the IHGF has been the increase in the foreign exchange earnings of the country, besides generating employment.
Chairman, EPCH, Mr. Dinesh Kumar said that despite the fact that USA and Europe have been major buyers of India, the focus of EPCH is now on new emerging markets in hitherto unexplored and under-explored regions like Latin America, Central Asia (CIS), Africa and South East Asia.
The exports of handicrafts during April 2016 - December 2016 has registered a growth of 12.10% in rupee terms and stands at Rs. 17,937.05 crores. The growth in dollar terms is 8.25% with exports of US $ 2673.48 million. ED, EPCH said that the export target for the year 2016-17 is US$ 3600 million (Rs. 23,560.00 crores) and that the Council hopes to achieve the target.
EPCH is a nodal agency for promotion and development of handicrafts exports from the country.