The ministry of textiles has approached Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for space on metro stations to set up platforms for handicraft products. This first of its kind initiative for the handicraft sector will provide access to artisans to display and sell their products at various vantage points across Delhi and National Capital region (NCR).
A detailed presentation for this was made to the officials of DMRC at the ministry of textiles last week. Although DMRC has accepted the project, a final decision will be conveyed by the first week of August, officials in the textile ministry told FE. ?This forms part of the ministry?s promotional activities so that our products get exposure to daily footfall of about nine lakh commuters which is expected to further increase to 10 lakh by 2010,? joint secretary in the ministry, JN Singh said.
?We are trying to get two kiosks at each of the Metro station with a total number of 160 stalls exclusively for hand crafted products at different stations of Metro network in NCR,? he added.
Office of the development commissioner (Handicrafts) proposes to provide Rs 10 crore under Metro Hub scheme as 25% share of the project cost which is expected to be over Rs 40 crore.