Himachal to set up ‘Grameen Haats’ to help artisans

SHIMLA - To enable local artisans market their products in their vicinity, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal Monday announced that 36 ‘Grameen Haats’ or rural markets would be set up across the state with an outlay of Rs.5.40 crore.

“The state government would be creating a strong network of ‘Grameen Haats’ in all districts in a phased manner where the artisans could showcase a range of local products made by them,” Dhumal said at a public rally at Bhatakufar, located on the outskirts of this state capital town.

The hill state is known for hand-knitted woollens like shawls, stoles, mufflers, socks, gloves, pullovers and caps, Chamba rumal (handkerchief), Chamba chappals (slippers) and jewellery items.

The Himachal Handicraft and Handloom Corporation, which is marketing the products made by the local artisans and craftsmen, is operating 15 sales outlets, including one each in Bangalore and Delhi.

The state government has got the Chamba handkerchief, Kullu and Kinnauri shawl and Kangra tea registered under the Geographical Indications (GI) of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, with the Chennai-based Geographical Indications Registry.