Lok Sabha Question No. 4738 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-21
Subject: Schemes for Promotion of Tribal Handicrafts
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Tharaniventhan M S

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 4738

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 21.08.2025

## SCHEMES FOR PROMOTION OF TRIBAL HANDICRAFTS

## 4738. Shri Tharaniventhan M S:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the schemes and programmes being implemented by the Government to  promote  tribal  handicrafts  across  the  country,  especially  in  Arani  Lok  Sabha Constituency;
- (b) whether the Government has taken any specific steps to support tribal artisans from Tamil  Nadu  and  other  southern  States  in  terms  of  skill  development,  marketing  and financial assistance and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the total number of tribal artisans benefited from such schemes in the last three years, State-wise;
- (d) whether the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) has expanded its presence in Tamil Nadu to facilitate the sale and promotion of tribal handicrafts and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e)  the  measures  being  taken  to  improve  online  and  global  market  access  for  tribal artisans and ensure fair prices for their product?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DURGADAS UIKEY)

(a)  to  (c)  The  Ministry  of  Tribal  Affairs,  through  the  Tribal  Cooperative  Marketing Development  Federation  of  India  (TRIFED),  implements  the  scheme  Pradhan  Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) to support tribal artisans and promote tribal handicrafts across  the  country.  This  includes  marketing  support  through  empanelment  of  tribal artisans / SHGs and procurement of tribal products from them. These products are sold via 'TRIBES INDIA' outlets, e-commerce platforms such as TribesIndia.com, Amazon, Flipkart,  GeM  etc.  A  total  number  of  5927  suppliers/producers  are  empanelled  with TRIFED as on 31.03.2025, which are associated with 3,05,485 families. It includes 2 artisans/suppliers  associated  with  912  families  in  Arani  Lok  Sabha  Constituency, Tiruvannamalai District.

Besides,  TRIFED  also  provides  support  through  skill  development  training, packaging, branding, entrepreneurship training  etc.  through Van Dhan  Vikas  Kendras (VDVKs) under PMJVM and Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha AbhiyaN (PMJANMAN). Under PMJVM, 624 VDVKs have been sanctioned with 1,84,544 associated members in five southern states (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, and Tamil  Nadu).  Similarly,  under  the  PM  JANMAN  scheme,  175  VDVKs  have  been sanctioned with 12365 associated members in these five States. (d) TRIFED currently operates 13 Tribes India outlets/franchisee partners in the State of Tamil Nadu, These outlets showcase a wide range of handcrafted items made by tribal artisans,  including  textiles,  handicrafts,  organic  produce,  and  traditional  art  forms. TRIFED has empaneled 46 tribal artisans/suppliers, associated with 3,315 families from whom regular procurement is carried out in Tamil Nadu. To expand this network, TRIFED conducts  Tribal  Artisan  Empanelment  Melas  (TAeMs)  across  the  state,  providing opportunities for more artisans and suppliers to be onboarded. (e) To provide global market access for tribal artisans, TRIFED engages with international bulk buyers and explores strategic partnerships through participating in international trade fairs and expos - domestically and internationally. TRIFED is also pursuing collaborations with  Indian  Missions  abroad  to  strengthen  its  presence  in  international  markets  and search the opportunities for their sales promotion. Over the years TRIFED has exported various  tribal  products  belonging  to  the  broad  categories  like  metal  craft,  pottery, paintings, jewellery, textiles, gifts & assortments as well as cane & bamboo etc.

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